A Computer Wind Model for Predicting Smoke Movement

Abstract

Abstract We are developing a numerical wind model to simulate airflow near the ground at night over terrain typical of the Piedmont of the southeastern United States. The purpose is to improve understanding of night winds and provide more accurate prediction of smoke movement when wind speed is low and wind direction is highly variable. These conditions often prevail when fog or a combination of smoke and fog produce low visibility. The model was tested with a weather event that produced local dense fog implicated as a factor in a highway accident. The model provides insight into drainage winds and valley flows and hence promises to be useful for predicting smoke movement at night. South. J. Appl. For. 18(2):60-64.