Zero-plane displacement height in a highly built-up area of Tokyo

Abstract

The zero-plane displacement height d was evaluated in downtown Tokyo by the two independent methods of temperature variance and scintillometer heat flux. Regardless of the method, d exceeds the area-weighted average building height. This may be because d, which represents the point of effect for wind drag, is elevated by some tall buildings that jut above others. The areaweighted average building height would then be unsuitable as a geometrical index of urban canopies with large height variations. Thus, the height of the upper envelope of the canopy was proposed as the representative canyon height.