A simple and fast model to compute concentration moments in a convective boundary layer

Recently, a modified meandering plume model for concentration fluctuations in a convective boundary layer has been formulated (Atmos. Environ. 34 (2000) 3599). This model is based on a hybrid Eulerian-Lagrangian approach and it accounts for the skewed and inhomogeneous turbulence characteristics of the convective flow. Using the same hypotheses, but eliminating the need for Lagrangian particle model, we propose a generalised approach, that only requires the knowledge of mean concentration field. The proposed model is independent from the method used to obtain the mean concentration field. The evaluation of the concentration fluctuation field needs a computational time of only few seconds on a standard PC. Therefore, the model is suitable for practical applications. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.