Articles | Volume 10, issue 5
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-10-2551-2010
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-10-2551-2010
12 Mar 2010
 | 12 Mar 2010

Parameterization of subgrid plume dilution for use in large-scale atmospheric simulations

A. D. Naiman, S. K. Lele, J. T. Wilkerson, and M. Z. Jacobson

Abstract. A new model of plume dynamics has been developed for use as a subgrid model of plume dilution in a large-scale atmospheric simulation. The model uses mean wind, shear, and diffusion parameters derived from the local large-scale variables to advance the plume cross-sectional shape and area in time. Comparisons with a large eddy simulation of aircraft emission plume dynamics, with an analytical solution to the dynamics of a sheared Gaussian plume, and with measurements of aircraft exhaust plume dilution at cruise altitude show good agreement with these previous studies. We argue that the model also provides a reasonable approximation of line-shaped contrail dilution and give an example of how it can be applied in a global climate model.

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