Solution of atmospheric diffusion problems by pseudo-spectral and orthogonal collocation methods

Abstract

Atmospheric diffusion problems are generally approached by numerical solution of the atmospheric diffusion equation to predict the spatial and temporal distribution of atmospheric contaminants. Two numerical techniques not previously used for atmospheric diffusion problems, the pseudo-spectral method and orthogonal collocation on finite elements, are adapted for use in such problems. The diffusion of an inert contaminant from an elevated, crosswind line source is considered in detail as a test problem for the two methods.

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