A review of models for the atmospheric dispersion of heavy gases. Part II. Model quality evaluation

Abstract

This is the second paper of a two part review. In its first part mathematical models for atmospheric dispersion of heavy gases are classified and the distinguished groups of models are characterised. In this part procedures for the model quality evaluation are described and the main results of model evaluation exercises and databases with experimental data related to the subject are summarised. The quality of a model is clearly of great importance since the decisions concerning the safety of people, environment are based on model calculations. Attention is focused on activities carried out in the European Union countries and in the USA. These include the work of the groups of researchers called MEG, HGDEG, projects known under the names REDIPHEM, SMEDIS, DATABASE and the model evaluation exercise carried out by the Sigma Research Corporation.