MOLOCH–PALM Modeling System – PALM-4U Implementation over Bologna

General Description

The MOLOCH–PALM modeling system is a newly developed multiscale framework that couples the mesoscale MOLOCH model with the microscale urban model PALM-4U. This integration enables high-resolution simulations of urban atmospheric dynamics, particularly suited for analyzing temperature patterns and energy exchanges in complex urban environments.

Multiscale Integration

• MOLOCH: Non-hydrostatic mesoscale model used for regional atmospheric simulations. (Gitlab repository)
• PALM-4U: Microscale urban climate model designed to resolve detailed urban geometry and surface–atmosphere interactions. (Gitlab repository)
• MOLOCH4PALM software: A newly developed offline nesting tool that ensures robust coupling between MOLOCH and PALM-4U, allowing seamless transition across spatial scales. (Gitlab repository)

Objectives and Benefits

• Enhanced representation of urban atmospheric processes.
• Realistic simulation of temperature distributions and energy fluxes.
• Valuable tool for urban climate studies, heatwave impact assessments, and sustainable city planning.

Pilot Application

• Location: Bologna, Italy
• Simulation Period: August 24–25, 2023
• Output: High-resolution fields (2m, 10m, 50m grid spacing) of temperature, energy fluxes, and urban atmospheric variable.

Data Format and Structure

• Format: NetCDF (CF-compliant)
• Grid: High-resolution 3D grid adapted to urban geometry (2m, 10m, 50m grid spacing)
• Simulated Variables:
  • Air and surface temperature
  • Sensible and latent heat fluxes
  • Turbulence and radiative exchanges
  • Urban energy balance components
  • Effects of shading and built surfaces

Urban Features Modeled

• Buildings, streets, urban vegetation
• Thermal and radiative properties of materials
• Interaction between urban morphology and atmospheric circulation

License

GNU AFFERO GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE

Dataset

• INPUT
• OUTPUT