Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics (Jan 2011)

Tracer concentration profiles measured in central London as part of the REPARTEE campaign

  • D. Martin,
  • K. F. Petersson,
  • I. R. White,
  • S. J. Henshaw,
  • G. Nickless,
  • A. Lovelock,
  • J. F. Barlow,
  • T. Dunbar,
  • C. R. Wood,
  • D. E. Shallcross

DOI
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-11-227-2011
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11, no. 1
pp. 227 – 239

Abstract

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There have been relatively few tracer experiments carried out that have looked at vertical plume spread in urban areas. In this paper we present results from two tracer (cyclic perfluorocarbon) experiments carried out in 2006 and 2007 in central London centred on the BT Tower as part of the REPARTEE (Regent's Park and Tower Environmental Experiment) campaign. The height of the tower gives a unique opportunity to study vertical dispersion profiles and transport times in central London. Vertical gradients are contrasted with the relevant Pasquill stability classes. Estimation of lateral advection and vertical mixing times are made and compared with previous measurements. Data are then compared with a simple operational dispersion model and contrasted with data taken in central London as part of the DAPPLE campaign. This correlates dosage with non-dimensionalised distance from source. Such analyses illustrate the feasibility of the use of these empirical correlations over these prescribed distances in central London.