Many transport and dispersion (T&D) models use observational data or mesoscale-model-generated forecast winds as input. This research examines how errors in these input wind fields can translate into T&D model solution errors. In particular, this study focuses on street level plume errors that oc... Show moreMany transport and dispersion (T&D) models use observational data or mesoscale-model-generated forecast winds as input. This research examines how errors in these input wind fields can translate into T&D model solution errors. In particular, this study focuses on street level plume errors that occur in building aware T&D models for a set of scenarios where the release location varies relative to the building locations. This problem was evaluated by first creating a “truth” plum for a given release location and wind direction. Then the T&D model errors associated with input wind errors were determined by comparing plumes calculated using wind directions varied at 2° increments to the truth plume. Results show that the relative impact of input errors vary significantly with the release location and the wind direction relative to buildings. Show less
