Segregation of fast-reactive species in atmospheric turbulent flow

Abstract

Atmospheric turbulence, which produces chaotic motions in the planetary boundary layer, can inhibit mixing between fast-reacting species produced or released at different locations. This segregation process modifies the effective rate at which reactions occur between these species and is not appropriately accounted for in coarse-resolution models, since these models assume complete mixing of tracers within each grid box. Here, we present a few examples of large-eddy simulations (LES) applied to chemically reactive species in a forested area with high emissions of biogenic hydrocarbons, an urban area rich in anthropogenic emissions, and a maritime area with high emissions of reduced sulfur species.