Cloud dimensions from Jack Rabbit II field trial data. (15th September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mazzola, Thomas
• Is Part Of: Atmospheric environment. Volume 237(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-09-15
• Subjects: Jack Rabbit II -- Chlorine -- Cloud width -- Cloud height -- Remote sensing -- LIDAR -- Dense gas dispersion; Air -- Pollution -- Periodicals; Air -- Pollution -- Meteorological aspects -- Periodicals; 551.51
• DOI: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2020.117614
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1352-2310

Abstract

Abstract: Jack Rabbit II field trials recorded a large amount of point sensor data regarding meteorology and chlorine concentrations and included many video and specialized standoff measurements. Cloud dimensions must be inferred or analyzed from such data. The test data were used to identify cloud dimensions (widths and heights to the 20 and 200 ppm contours) for use in the model inter-comparison exercise. Cloud widths and heights at fixed measurement distance of 0.2, 0.5, 1 and 2 km were assessed by use of point-sensor data as well as by standoff sensor data. Some point sensor data exists at 5 and 11 km for possible future analysis. Standoff LIDAR measurements can be used for cloud heights at the 0.5, 1 and 2 km. This paper presents the analysis methods applied to concentration point sensors and concentration estimates from standoff UV LIDARs. The resulting cloud height and width observations are presented for Trials 1, 6 and 7 and initial comparisons are provided between point and standoff sensors as well as with limited model results. Highlights: Sources of test data essential for cloud dimension analyses for the Jack Rabbit II model-inter-comparison are presented. Point concentration sensors provide usable cloud widths and heights for all trials and levels. LIDAR remote sensing data provide quantitative cloud widths and heights only for Trial 7. Cloud dimension uncertainties are included to aid comparisons of models.