Implementation and evaluation of WRF simulation over a city with complex terrain using Alos-Palsar 0.4 s topography.

Air quality modeling requires an accurate representation of meteorology, and in cities with complex topography, the performance of meteorological modeling can be improved by using an alternative global digital elevation model (GDEM) such as Alos-Palsar 0.4 s instead of the default elevation data. Bogotá is a city with complex topography geographically located over the Andes Mountains at 2600 m.

Validation of PM and PM early alert in Bogotá, Colombia, through the modeling software WRF-CHEM.

Air quality data from Bogotá, Colombia, show high levels of particulate matter (PM), which often generate respiratory problems to the population and a high economic cost to the government. Since 2016, air quality in the city of Bogotá has been measured through the Bogota Air Quality Index (IBOCA) which works as an indicator of environmental risk due to air pollution. However, available technological tools in Bogotá are not enough to generate early alerts due to PM and PM.