Unified model intercomparison for volcanic ash transport modelling. (1st December 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Morton, Don; Arnold, Dèlia; Webley, Peter; Wotawa, Gerhard; Stunder, Barbara
• Is Part Of: International journal of environment and pollution. Volume 55:Number 1-4(2014)
• Page Start: 210
• Page End: 218
• Publication Date: 2014-12-01
• Subjects: particle dispersion model -- volcanic ash model intercomparison -- HYSPLIT -- FLEXPART -- PUFF -- Mount Spurr; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; Environmental engineering -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Periodicals; 363.73
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0957-4352

Abstract

Our group is pursuing a volcanic ash transport model intercomparison study to evaluate the relative performance of several atmospheric transport models for selected case studies. These intercomparisons require the definition of standard output formats for producing results in a common framework. We define here the common format and develop a set of evaluation tools, allowing for side-by-side comparisons on a level playing field and providing a platform for further quantitative evaluation. The tools developed have widespread applicability to a number of ATM activities and are demonstrated in the realm of volcanic ash transport modelling. The Crater Peak, Mount Spurr eruption of 1992, Alaska, is used as a case study, employing HYSPLIT, FLEXPART and PUFF with common meteorological driving data, and with releases and intrinsic-model set-ups as similar as possible.