An examination of local similarity theory in the stably stratified boundary layer

A stable boundary layer is investigated in terms of local similarity theory. A study is based on a set of seven runs from the BAO tower (Colorado, U.S.A.). It is shown that a theoretical prediction of constant-with-height similarity functions applies only to ensemble-averaged quantities. Scatter of observational data is analysed.On leave from: Institute of Environmental Engineering, Warsaw Technical University, 00653, Warsaw, Poland.     

On the temperature spectrum in the convective boundary layer

A model for the temperature spectrum in the convective boundary layer is presented. The model is developed by using local similarity parameterization of the mixed layer. The model is compared with an idealized temperature spectrum obtained during the Minnesota experiment and exhibits behavior very similar to that observed in the atmosphere.     

Local similarity functions derived from second-moment budgets in the convective boundary layer

A further discussion of local similarity in the convective boundary layer is presented. The similarity functions are derived from budget equations for the turbulent heat flux and temperature variance. The obtained similarity curves are compared with atmospheric measurements and with large-eddy simulation results.     

On the sensitivity of bridge seismic response with local soil amplification

The paper presents a numerical sensitivity study of the local site effects on structural response. Following a recently developed model of spatial coherency and a concept of a simple site coefficient the local site effects are modelled as filtrations of excitation processes with a frequency shift. An analysis of a bridge response with supports founded on different soils is carried out. The joint effects of dynamic response and pseudostatic motion are considered. Two types of response are analysed: longitudinal and transverse. The differences between dynamic displacements and force responses are pointed out. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Assessment of climate change and associated impact on selected sectors in Poland

The present paper offers a brief assessment of climate change and associated impact in Poland, based on selected results of the Polish–Norwegian CHASE-PL project. Impacts are examined in selected sectors, such as water resources, natural hazard risk reduction, environment, agriculture and health. Results of change detection in long time series of observed climate and climate impact variables in Poland are presented. Also, projections of climate variability and change are provided for time horizons of 2021–2050 and 2071–2100 for two emission scenarios, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 in comparison with control period, 1971–2000. Based on climate projections, examination of future impacts on sectors is also carried out. Selected uncertainty issues relevant to observations, understanding and projections are tackled as well.     

Large-Eddy Simulation of air Pollution Dispersion in the Nocturnal Cloud-Topped Atmospheric Boundary Layer

Effects of stratocumulus clouds on the dispersion of contaminants are studied in the nocturnal atmospheric boundary layer. The study is based on a large-eddy simulation (LES) model with a bulk parametrization of clouds. Computations include Lagrangian calculations of atmospheric dispersion of a passive tracer released from point sources at various heights above the ground. The results obtained show that the vertical diffusion is non-Gaussian and depends on the location of a source in the boundary layer.     

The chemistry and prospects for interstellar detection of somedicyanoacetylenes and other cyanoacetylene-related species

Recent cryochemical and photochemical findings for cyanoacetylene and cyanopolyacetylene-related molecules (including various isomeric species), backed up with quantum-chemical predictions, are analysed. A new class of interstellar molecules, distinguished by bare (hydrogen-less), unsaturated carbon-nitrogen chains of the general formula C _n N₂ is postulated. It is recommended to look for some relevant IR spectral features in space. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

A statistical model for spatial inventory data: a case study of N2O emissions in municipalities of southern Norway

In this paper we apply a linear regression with spatial random effect to model geographically distributed emission inventory data. The study presented is on N₂O emission assessments for municipalities of southern Norway and on activities related to emissions (proxy data). Taking advantage of the spatial dimension of the emission process, the method proposed is intended to improve inventory extension beyond its earlier coverage. For this, the proxy data are used. The conditional autoregressive model is used to account for spatial correlation between municipalities. Parameter estimation is based on the maximum likelihood method and the optimal predictor is developed. The results indicate that inclusion of a spatial dependence component lead to improvement in both representation of the observed data set and prediction.