Configuration of meteorological parameterisation schemes for air quality modelling systems in typical smog situations over Poland

Aim of project
The project contributes to the COST 728 Action “Enhancing Meso-Scale Meteorological Modelling Capabilities for Air Pollution and Dispersion Applications”. The primary objective of the project is to elaborate guidelines for implementation of chemical transport models (CTM) and air quality forecast systems for Poland.

The recommendations will be formulated based on the results of numerical experiments with the state-of-the-art meteorological and on-line air quality models GEM/LAM-AQ and MC2-AQ. Within this project, numerical simulation will be undertaken for the area covering Central Europe (with the resolution of 15–25 km), Poland (3–9 km) and selected agglomerations. Model calculations will be carried out for diff erent types of air pollution episodes — ranging from trans-boundary transport of air pollutants to local air pollution episodes.

Based on selected case studies representing typical air quality problems over Poland, the modelling strategy and confi guration of meteorological parameterisatizon will be prepared. Issues connected with the grid resolution, season and governing meteorological processes will be taken into account. For the area of agglomerations (Krakow — complex terrain, Gdansk — coastal site, Katowice — industrial region) nesting strategy will be developed.

A comprehensive analysis of the results will be undertaken, with respect to sensitivity to alternative meteorological parameterisation schemes and grid resolution. The impact of geophysical data on the modelled results will also be examined. Moreover, the parameters of the atmospheric boundary layer and the surface layer which might be used in off -line modelling systems will be identified.

Expected results
The guidelines will introduce new standards in the application of computational techniques for air quality modelling and assessment in Poland. The guidelines will include:

Recommendations concerning domain size, grid resolution and nesting strategy (for cascade mode simulations);

Recommendations concerning configuration of meteorological parameterisation schemes, with respect to grid resolution, seasons and possible local features (e.g. complex terrain, coastal area, etc.).

Despite the growing interest in implementation of CTM models, there are no training courses for non-expert users in Poland. Available academic courses are also limited to Gaussian type models. This project will enhance the ability to use advanced computational tools with respect to understanding of model configuration issues and limitations of meteorological parameterisation schemes. The outcome from this study will be completed with findings of COST 728 Working Groups.