Development and Evaluation of the Offshore and Coastal Dispersion Model

Abstract

The Offshore and Coastal Dispersion (OCD) model has been developed for the Minerals Management Service (MMS) to determine the impact of offshore and onshore emissions from point sources on the air quality of coastal regions. Constructed on the framework of the EPA guideline model MPTER, the OCD model incorporates overwater plume transport and dispersion as well as changes that occur as the plume crosses the shoreline. Hourly meteorological data are needed from both offshore and onshore locations, including wind direction and speed, mixing height, overwater air temperature and relative humidity, and the sea surface temperature. Observed turbulence intensities are preferred by the model but are not mandatory.

Building downwash and plume rise are incorporated into the OCD model similar to their use in the Buoyant Line and Point Source (BLP) model. Partial plume penetration into elevated inversions is treated using Briggs’ model. Dispersion coefficients are proportional to turbulence intensities. A virtual source technique is used to change the rate of plume growth as the overwater plume intercepts the overland internal boundry layer. The continuous shoreline fumigation case is treated using an approach suggested by Deardorff and Willis. Calculation of plume reflection from elevated terrain follows the Rough Terrain Dispersion Model (RTDM).

The OCD model and the modified EPA model used as an interim model for overwater applications by the MMS were tested with measurements from three offshore tracer experiments. The OCD model was shown to be a clear improvement over the EPA model and was officially approved by the MMS in March 1985.