Application of DOPPLER SODAR in short-term forecasting of PM10 concentration in the air in the City of Krakow (PL)

Abstract. The article describes an attempt to apply data obtained from SODAR (Sound Detection and Ranging) poms for short-term forecasting of PM10 concentration levels in Krakow. Krakow is one of the most polluted cities in Central Europe (CE) in terms of PM10 concentration. The city authorities, based on the access to legal measures, have undertaken a number of organizational and legal initiatives aimed at significantly improving air quality (e.g. ban on burning solid fuels for space heating, forecasting air quality (AQ) for the planned implementation of free public transport, etc.). At the same time, the unfavorable topographic location of the city reduces the possibility of natural ventilation. This article describes all these conditions, focusing on presenting a method for short-term correction of air quality for the planned implementation of free public transport. Currently, the forecast is being developed by the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management – National Research Institute (IMWM-NRI) using the CALPUFF model, powered by meteorological forecast data of the mesoscale ALADIN model. The use of this model generally makes it possible to correctly predict the average daily concentration values; however, the maximum values are understated. Based on several years of measurements of the physical properties of the atmosphere using SODAR, the authors of the paper suggest that SODAR data can be considered for operational use to generate short-term forecasts.