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Urban land–atmosphere interactions can be captured by numerical modeling framework with coupled land surface and atmospheric processes, while the model performance depends largely on accurate input parameters. In this study, we use an advanced stochastic approach to quantify parameter uncertainty

Urban land–atmosphere interactions can be captured by numerical modeling framework with coupled land surface and atmospheric processes, while the model performance depends largely on accurate input parameters. In this study, we use an advanced stochastic approach to quantify parameter uncertainty and model sensitivity of a coupled numerical framework for urban land–atmosphere interactions. It is found that the development of urban boundary layer is highly sensitive to surface characteristics of built terrains. Changes of both urban land use and geometry impose significant impact on the overlying urban boundary layer dynamics through modification on bottom boundary conditions, i.e., by altering surface energy partitioning and surface aerodynamic resistance, respectively. Hydrothermal properties of conventional and green roofs have different impacts on atmospheric dynamics due to different surface energy partitioning mechanisms. Urban geometry (represented by the canyon aspect ratio), however, has a significant nonlinear impact on boundary layer structure and temperature. Besides, managing rooftop roughness provides an alternative option to change the boundary layer thermal state through modification of the vertical turbulent transport. The sensitivity analysis deepens our insight into the fundamental physics of urban land–atmosphere interactions and provides useful guidance for urban planning under challenges of changing climate and continuous global urbanization.

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    Title
    • Evaluating the Impact of Built Environment Characteristics on Urban Boundary Layer Dynamics Using an Advanced Stochastic Approach
    Contributors
    Date Created
    2016-05-24
    Resource Type
  • Text
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    Identifier
    • Digital object identifier: 10.5194/acp-16-6285-2016
    • Identifier Type
      International standard serial number
      Identifier Value
      1680-7316
    • Identifier Type
      International standard serial number
      Identifier Value
      1680-7324
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    • This article and any associated published material is distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License. View the article as published at: http://www.atmos-chem-phys.net/16/6285/2016/

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    Song, J., & Wang, Z. (2016). Evaluating the impact of built environment characteristics on urban boundary layer dynamics using an advanced stochastic approach. Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, 16(10), 6285-6301. doi:10.5194/acp-16-6285-2016

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