Date: Thursday, September 6, 2012
Time: 10:00am
Location: PHYS 401
Title
Physical Processes Influencing the Mid-Atlantic Planetary Boundary Layer with Applications in Air Quality and Wind Energy
Abstract
Understanding the Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL) dynamics is essential in air quality, wind energy and numerical weather prediction, specifically the vertical mixing processes of heat, momentum and constituents. Currently, it is suggested to be the most important factor in modeling the lower atmosphere especially in regions of complex terrain such as the Mid-Atlantic region. In this proposal an synergy of measurements and models will be used to investigate vertical mixing processes in the Mid-Atlantic region. The utilization of a baroclinic zone as a wind resource in the Mid-Atlantic region will be analyzed by use of high resolution model runs in comparison with wind, aerosol, and other measurements. These model and data analysis aim to improve the current understanding of turbulent mixing in the complex terrain of the Mid-Atlantic Region.