Evaluation of a High Resolution Wind Model Over a Complex Terrain Surface
Abstract
A complete and comprehensive description of the high resolution wind (HRW) model is presented. The HRW model has been in development at the U.S. Army Research Laboratory, formerly U.S. Army Atmospheric Sciences Laboratory, since 1978. This model is a two-dimensional, diagnostic atmospheric surface-layer wind model with a horizontal grid spacing of the order of 100 m over a domain of about 5 by 5 km. It uses Gauss? principle of least constraint and a direct variational relaxation method to adjust an initially uniform wind field to conform with topography, mass conservation, and buoyancy forces. A distinctive feature of the model is the use of a non-orthogonal, terrain following, warped coordinate system. A valuable observational dataset of surface wind has been provided from the field study of Meteorology and Diffusion Over Non-Uniform Areas (MADONA) at Porton Down, Salisbury, England during September and October 1992. Using the MADONA data, a critical evaluation for the HRW model for 39 cases has been carried out. The results of this study are presented, indicating both the range of validity and the limitations of the HRW model.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA498167
Entities
People
- Chatt C. Williamson
- Dennis M. Garvey
- Giap Huynh
- Sam S. Chang
Organizations
- United States Army Research Laboratory