Model evaluation of RIMPUFF within complex terrain using an 41Ar radiological dataset

The newly updated atmospheric dispersion model RIMPUFF is evaluated using routine releases of Ar-41 from the former HIFAR research reactor located in Sydney, Australia. A large number of Ar-41 measurements from a network of environmental gamma detectors are used to evaluate the model under a range of atmospheric stability conditions within the complex terrain area. Model sensitivity of input data is analysed including meteorological station data, land use maps, surface roughness and wind interpolation schemes. Various model evaluation tools are used such as gamma dose rate plots, exploratory data analyses and relevant statistical performance measures. © 2012, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd