Monte Carlo Simulation of Turbulent Atmospheric Transport and Comparisons with Experimental Data

Abstract

In a previous paper Peterson presented measurements of the 41Ar emitted continuously into the atmosphere from a reactor at the Brookhaven National Laboratory. Here, calculated results obtained with the Monte Carlo atmospheric transport model of Watson and Barr are presented and compared with the experimental data. The measured quantities with which comparisons are made are 1) the position north of Brookhaven where the maximum 41Ar concentration occurred for specific values of x (east of Brookhaven) and t time; 2) the standard deviation σy of the 41Ar concentration about the position of maximum concentration for specific values of x and t; and 3) a quantity that is proportional to the maximum 41Ar concentration for specific values of x and t. The calculated results are in moderately good agreement with the experimental data at most distances (≤300 km) and most times for which data are available.