Variability in odour impact assessment due to different cloud cover estimation approaches: A northern Italy case study

Abstract

For atmospheric dispersion models, Cloud Cover (CC) is an input that controls turbulent diffusion. This study analyses the influence of various approaches to estimate CC in odour dispersion modelling: given the normative relevance of these assessments, it is pivotal to understand the result of different operational choices about this parameter. Results seem largely comparable regardless the different CC approach. Both, micrometeorological parameters from CALMET simulations and CALPUFF odour impact maps appear almost overlapped. The outcome of the present study is that CC algorithms, do not significantly influence odour impact: this result strengthens the regulatory use of models for odour assessments.

Keywords

• Cloud cover (CC)
• Dispersion modelling
• CALPUFF model
• Odour impact assessment
• Intercomparison