The CALPUFF model simulates the effects of time and space-varying meteorological conditions on pollution transport, transformation and removal.
CALPUFF is an advanced non-steady-state meteorological and air quality modeling system. The model has been adopted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) in its Guideline on Air Quality Models as the preferred model for assessing long range transport of pollutants and their impacts on Federal Class I areas and on a case-by-case basis for certain near-field applications involving complex meteorological conditions. The modeling system consists of three main components and a set of preprocessing and post processing programs. The main components of the modeling system are CALMET (a diagnostic 3-dimensional meteorological model), CALPUFF (an air quality dispersion model), and CALPOST (a post processing package). Each of these programs has a graphical user interface (GUI).
CALPUFF is a multi-layer, multi-species non-steady-state puff dispersion model that simulates the effects of time- and space-varying meteorological conditions on pollution transport, transformation and removal. CALPUFF can be applied on scales of tens to hundreds of kilometers. It includes algorithms for subgrid scale effects (such as terrain impingement), as well as, longer range effects (such as pollutant removal due to wet scavenging and dry deposition, chemical transformation, and visibility effects of particulate matter concentrations).
CALPUFF is an advanced non-steady-state meteorological and air quality modeling system developed by Exponent scientists. It is maintained by the model developers and distributed by Exponent. The model has been adopted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) in its Guideline on Air Quality Models as the preferred model for assessing long range transport of pollutants and their impacts on Federal Class I areas and on a case-by-case basis for certain near-field applications involving complex meteorological conditions.
The modeling system consists of three main components and a set of preprocessing and postprocessing programs. The main components of the modeling system are CALMET (a diagnostic 3-dimensional meteorological model), CALPUFF (an air quality dispersion model), and CALPOST (a postprocessing package). Each of these programs has a graphical user interface (GUI). In addition to these components, there are numerous other processors that may be used to prepare geophysical (land use and terrain) data in many standard formats, meteorological data (surface, upper air, precipitation, and buoy data), and interfaces to other models such as the Penn State/NCAR Mesoscale Model (MM5), the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Eta/NAM and RUC models, the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model and the RAMS model.
Some examples of applications for which CALPUFF may be suitable include:
Latest Version | Version 5.8.5 December 2015 |
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State of Development | Released and updated |
Outcome Areas | Environmental |
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Management Domains | Air Quality |
Subdomains | Air Quality Modelling |
Spatial Resolutions | Unknown |
Spatial Extents | Land or Business Unit, Local (i.e. Catchment or District) |
Spatial Dimensions | 3D |
Temporal Resolutions | Hours, Days, Months |
Temporal Extents | Hours, Days, Months |
Steady State or Dynamic | Unknown |
Level of Integration | Environmental |
Key Input Data | Meterological |
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Input Data Formats | ASCI |
Key Output Data | Runoff Fluxes of contaminants |
Output Data Formats | ASCI, Image File(s) |
Open/Closed Source | Closed Source |
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Licence Type | Need to Register to download - but free to use. |
Operating Systems | Dos executable |
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User Interface | Graphical desktop |
Ease of Use | Difficult Requires preparation of multiple data files and linking with supporting models |
Use in Policy Process | Plan (Policy Formulation), Do (Policy Implementation), Review (Issue Identification) |
Documentation | Download Page for CALPUFF Modelling System (button available to skip Registration) A User's Guide for the CALPUFF Dispersion Model http://www.src.com/calpuff/download/CALPUFF_UsersGuide.pdf Frequently Asked Questions http://www.src.com/calpuff/FAQ-questions.htm |
Programming Language | Fortran |
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Analytical Techniques | Input/output |
Model Structure |
Overview of the program elements in the CALMET/CALPUFF Modelling System |
Keywords | atmosphere, air quality, pollution, meteorology |
Linkages to other Models | |
Links | MFE - Good Practice Guide to Dispersion Modelling Official CALPUFF Modelling System - Website USEPA Support Center for Regulatory Atmospheric Modeling (SCRAM) - Air Quality Dispersion Modeling - Preferred and Recommended Models CALPUFF - Wikipedia Page You Tube Videos on CALPUFF: CALPUFF and Odours Training Course 2013 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6xbdi5oDCw&list=PLf9jTKwtsTNmyGY51LhbmjnFIZzE51fi8 Air Pollution Modelling - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdcMy_3d_co |
Key References | Heydenrych, C., et.al. (2005): CALPUFF Model Validation in New Zealand - Methodology and Issues. Kingett Mitchell Limited. Prepared for Foundation for Science and Technology. Bennett, M.J, M.E. Yansura, I.G. Hornyik, J.M. Nall, D.G. Caniparoli and C.G. Ashmore, 2002. Evaluation of the CALPUFF Long-range Transport Screening Technique by Comparison to Refined CALPUFF Results for Several Power Plants in Both the Eastern and Western United States. Proceedings of the Air & Waste Management Association's 95th Annual Conference, June 23-27, 2002; Baltimore, MD. Paper #43454. Levy, JI; Spengler, JD; Hlinka, D; Sullivan, D; Moon, D (2002): Using CALPUFF to evaluate the impacts of power plant emissions in Illinois: mode sensitivity and implications. Atmos. Environ. Vol 36(6):1063-1075. 3) Zhou, Y; Levy, JI; Hammitt, JK; Evans, JS (2003): Estimating population exposure to power plant emissions using CALPUFF: a case study in Beijing, China. Atmos. Environ. Vol. 37(6):815-826 |
The first modelling study was carried out a the Kinleith Pulp and Piaper Mill in 2003 and used a dispersion model known as ISC-PRIME.
Lucas, V 2010 Modelling wintertime concentrations of PM10 in ambient air, Christchurch and Timaru. Environment Canterbury report no. R10/153
The model evaluated against measured and then used to model the spatial variation and inter-annual variability of PM10 over five winters
Also used extensively to model the potential effects of air discharges and to audit consent applications.
Nelson_Richmond Air Quality (2012): Development of an Air Quality Model and Meterological Data Sets for Nelson-Richmond Urban Areas. Golder and Associates Report No 0978104449.