(Photo Credit)
AERMOD-ready meteorological data are
available for download free of charge. The meteorological input files that
are read directly by the U.S. EPA dispersion model, AERMOD, are provided for
each of the 26 sites. These files were developed using site specific
surface characteristics (i.e., surface albedo, surface roughness, and Bowen
ratio) obtained using AERSURFACE.
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Table 1 lists the 26
sites with AERMOD-ready meteorological data (i.e., *.sfc and *.pfl files).
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Table 2 summarizes
the surface characteristics for each of these meteorological sites.
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Table 3 shows the site coordinates and elevations.
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Table 4 lists the
corresponding hourly ozone data for the 26 meteorological sites.
The
nearest representative meteorological station should be chosen for modeling.
Usually this is simply the nearest station; however, an interfering terrain
feature may dictate the use of an alternate station.
The raw data used by AQMD in the AERMET meteorological
processor is also available for use on a case by case basis. In the event
that the dispersion modeler would like to use AERMET to develop a
project-specific meteorological data set, please contact AQMD and provide
documentation supporting the request (i.e. explanation of why new surface
characteristics are more appropriate, AERSURFACE input and output files, and
other supporting information).
These meteorological data were developed by EnviroComp
Consulting, Inc. under AQMD contract. The reports documenting that effort are available
as follows:
- “The Development of AERMOD-Ready
Meteorological Data for the South Coast Air Basin and the Coachella
Valley, Volume
I” (pdf, 2.6 mB)
- “The Development of AERMOD-Ready
Meteorological Data for the South Coast Air Basin and the
Coachella Valley, Volume II:
Appendices” (pdf, 426 kB)
The AERMOD modeling system can be accessed on
U.S. EPA’s website and taking the
following path: Air Quality Models è
Dispersion Modeling è
Preferred/Recommended Models è
AERMOD Modeling System
AQMD modeling guidance
for the application of AERMOD is also provided.
If you have questions please contact Jillian Baker at
(909) 396-3176, or by e-mail at
jbaker@aqmd.gov.
Photo Credit: Ralph Turcotte, Beverly
(Massachusetts) Times
