Modeling and Analysis of Adjacent Grid Point Wind Speed Profiles within and Above a Forest Canopy
Abstract
Adjacent grid point profile data from the canopy coupled to the surface layer (C-CSL) model are examined to illustrate the model's capability to represent effects of the surface boundary on wind flow. Vertical cross sections of the wind field and contours of derived momentum flux data are presented. Depictions of the vegetation morphology and terrain elevation data are also given for the areas studied. The C-CSL model provided data for an analysis of the surface layer wind flow within and above five different sections of vegetative canopy. As a result, the modeled wind speed profiles appeared to be in line with experimental observations. Momentum flux (Reynolds stress) data were calculated from the wind speed profile gradients. Within the canopy layer, the structure of the profiles of momentum flux appeared to agree well in contrast to data from two other turbulence closure models. In the layer above the forest canopy top, the structure of the momentum flux profiles were in line with experimental observations. In data-limited areas, this kind of modeling can be used to support land-based operations where the transport and diffusion of smoke, chemicals, or other toxic aerosols in complex terrain are a primary concern.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA362508
Entities
People
- Arnold D. Tunick
Organizations
- United States Army Research Laboratory