Abstract: Knowledge of turbulent dispersion is required for simulating the concentration distribution after deliberate or accidental releases of pollutants. However, high-resolution measurements of turbulent dispersion in the atmospheric boundary layer are sparse and turbulent transport models often rely on parameterization derived from a few such observations. The COMTESSA (Camera Observation and Modelling of 4D Tracer Dispersion in the Atmosphere) project brings together simulations and high-resolution observations from artificial releases of sulfur dioxide (SO2). Column-integrated SO2 concentrations were observed with five ultraviolet SO2 cameras with sampling rates of several Hertz and a spatial resolution of a few centimetres.
This presentation will give an overview of the measurement techniques and realization of two tracer release field campaigns in Norway in July 2017 and 2018. The unique experimental setup allows to reconstruct the three-dimensional motion of the released trace gas. I will outline how these observations can complement theoretical models and simulations and, hence increase our understanding of turbulent dispersion in the atmospheric boundary layer.
What is the Joint Oslo Seminar (JOS):
Atmospheric and climate sciences have a stronghold in Oslo among the four institutions University of Oslo, the Meteorological Institute, CICERO and NILU. This joint seminar invites renowned international experts to contribute to an informal series of lectures, meant to create interaction with the Oslo atmospheric and climate science community on recent highlights and analysis in the field. All seminars will be held on Thursdays (Noon -1pm) and lunch (sandwiches) will be served on a “first-come-first-served”-basis.