A review of mathematical models for the atmospheric dispersion of heavy gases. Part I. A classification of models

Abstract

In this two part article in its first part models of heavy gas dispersion in the atmosphere are classified and the distinguished groups of models are characterised. In the second part the procedures for the model quality evaluation are described and the main results of model evaluation projects are summarised. Substances released to the atmosphere which have a density greater than the density of the atmospheric air are called heavy gases or dense gases. The dispersion of heavy gases is different from that encountered in the case of neutrally or positively buoyant gases. Specific models have been developed to describe it. The heavy gas dispersion models differ in the complexity and mathematical description. Based on these criteria four main groups of models are distinguished: simple/empirical models, intermediate/integral and shallow layer models, advanced/Lagrangian particle trajectory and Lagrangian puff dispersion models and sophisticated/Computer Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models. This classification is an extension of the classification proposed earlier in the literature.