Evaluation of the turbulence parameterisation in MOLOCH meteorological model

An appropriate parameterisation of turbulence is fundamental both in meteorological and atmospheric dispersion models, in order to properly simulate the dynamics of the flow and of the pollutants transported by it. The turbulence closure adopted in the meteorological model MOLOCH is presented, its reliability and effectiveness is evaluated based on turbulent kinetic energy data measured at two suburban sites in North and South Italy. Very different topographical situations characterise the two sites, an Alpine and a coastal region, respectively. Particular attention is paid in assessing the low-wind speed regime, a critical condition for air pollution and associated to turbulent features not yet fully understood. The analysis has proved that the turbulence closure in the MOLOCH model is able to capture and effectively reproduce the observed low-level atmospheric turbulence processes, in all stability conditions.