COURSE DESCRIPTION

This 2-day course provides a complete introduction to air pollution issues and a presentation of available computer modelling techniques to simulate air pollution phenomena.

During the first day, physical and chemical phenomena affecting air pollution, emissions, transport and fate of contaminants, and adverse effects will be presented. As far as emissions are concerned, the major sources affecting air quality will be discussed, including the chemical reactions leading to the formation of secondary pollutants, such as tropospheric ozone.

Transport phenomena will be illustrated by discussing meteorological phenomena and their major role in the occurrence of air pollution episodes, during unfavourable meteorological conditions such as stagnation. Special topics will also be discussed, such as the adverse effects of air pollution on human health and the environment, the goals and purposes of air quality laws and regulations, the increasing concern about global changes, and the special case of accidental releases caused, for examples, by fires and explosions. The issues related to accidental emissions, emergency preparedness and response, and crisis management will also be discussed.

During the second day, the discussion will focus on computer simulation modelling. The major numerical techniques for the simulation of transport and fate of chemicals in the atmosphere will be presented. Examples of simulation will be shown. Available computer codes will be discussed. Information will be given about existing computer programs available from the Web.

The models presented will include: diagnostic and prognostic meteorological models, Gaussian plume models, Gaussian segmented and puff models, grid models, and Lagrangian particle models. Applications will include plume simulation, urban pollution, photochemical smog, long-range transport, and high-resolution simulations of accidental releases.

Contact Person: Jane Chantler  Secretariat
Wessex Institute of Technology, Southampton, UK
Street address: Ashurst Lodge, Ashurst
City: Southampton
Postal code/ZIP: SO40 7AA
Country: United Kingdom
Phone:  44 (0) 23 80 293223
Fax: 44 (0) 23 80 292853
E-mail: jchantler@wessex.ac.uk