Use of urbanized meso-met models for air quality applications

Urban meso-met models have become more realistic within the last decade with the availability of increased computer power. While recent urbanization formulations have yielded more detailed and realistic simulations of urban-zone met fields, additional work is required. Some remaining challenges are relevant for all meso-met modeling efforts, while some are unique to urban domains. This paper reviews the challenges to meso-modeling of urban areas and their environs. These include turbulence formulations during stable and unstable conditions; nesting of urban boundary layer models within larger scale models and to canyon scale models; specification of urban surfaces and their boundary conditions, including use of satellite-derived land surface data; incorporation of observational (canyon, roof top, and PBL) data within urban models; and linkages to air quality during a variety of synoptic flow types. Results will be presented from a variety of air quality applications carried out at SJSU, e.g., New York City, Atlanta, Phoenix, Houston, Mid-East, San Francisco Bay Area, and the South Coast Air Basin.