Methodology of model testing and application to dispersion simulation above complex terrain

This paper concerns an integrated model testing exercise focussed on the use of model performance statistical indices. SAFE_AIR is a multisource model mainly designed to describe dispersion of airborne pollutants from point sources at local-to-regional scales over complex terrain in non-stationary meteorological and emission conditions. It was applied in the region of Ilo, Peru, a complex coastal area where a tracer (SF6) was emitted from a copper smelter plant to collect field data about pollutant dispersion in the area. To compare measured concentrations with predicted concentrations, the statistical indices suggested in the Model Evaluation Kit (MEAN, SIGMA, BIAS, NMSE, COR, FA2, FB and FS) and two less common ones (WNNR and NNR) were used.