The importance of multiscale measurements for urban test beds

Urban boundary layers (UBL) are composites of intertwined multiple scale interactions between the atmosphere and the underlying surface. From the science view, describing the state of the UBL poses a significant challenge to represent a full spectrum of meteorological forcings and reactions in forms such as: heat islands; street canyon winds and turbulence; urban terrain; and transport and diffusion of hazardous substances. From the user viewpoint, the atmospheric states affect many diverse short- and long-term issues such as: emergency response to varied environmental, chemical, and public threats; public health issues due to episodic and chronic air and water quality hazards; urban flooding; school bus transportation; and wildland fire. Users also view planning and preparation for potential incidents or events as well as post-event consequence assessments as areas of interest. Measurements of the state and processes of the UBL are essential to understanding the atmosphere connecting the event with consequences. The transition from science measurements to actionable information products for a particular user in a specific place has many extremely challenging, long-term tasks.

Supported by the Federal Committee for Meteorological Services and supporting Research (FCMSSR), Joint Action Groups formed by the Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research (OFCM) have developed actionable reports on modeling capabilities for atmospheric dispersion to include, “Research and Development Needs and Priorities for Atmospheric Transport and Diffusion.” Additionally, the OFCM conducted an urban meteorology forum and published the “Proceedings of the Forum on Urban Meteorology: Meeting Weather Needs in the Urban Community.” The ideas and recommendations contained in these reports have been the genesis of the Joint Action Group for Joint Urban Test Beds (JAG/JUTB). This JAG is charged with developing a joint agency plan to implement, operate and sustain test beds addressing the integration of multiple needs and desires of science and user communities.

This paper gives the background of the JAG, its purpose, and its progress.