A city-scale turbulence-resolving model as an essential element of integrated urban services

Large-eddy simulation (LES) models, such as the PALM modeling system in this study, are actively used for urban micro-climate modeling. We consider urban LES in a broader context as a mature high-resolution model for integrated urban services (IUS), which is an initiative of the World Meteorological Organization that provides a modeling component for urban decision-support systems. A decision-support system requires iterations of quantitative information from knowledge providers and qualitative expert assessments from communities of practice. We present two pilot PALM-aided IUS from the “Turbulent-resolving urban modeling of air quality and thermal comfort” (TURBAN) project. One pilot has its focus on an air quality service contributing to a decision-support system of the port of Bergen, Norway. Another pilot contributes to air quality and thermal comfort services in the city of Prague, Czech Republic. Co-production sessions with stakeholders identified critical enablers for urban LES in IUS. We present integration and interpretation of the modeling information within the decision-making process with a “storylines and simulations” (SAS) approach based on a web-based geoinformation system (WebGIS). [Display omitted] •Urban large-eddy simulation modeling system PALM has been advanced with dynamic, static, and chemistry modules (drivers).•PALM has matured as a high-resolution modeling component for integrated urban hydrometeorological and climate services.•Two pilot projects with PALM (in Bergen, Norway, and Prague, Czech Republic) demonstrate the model applications.•Model simulations are presented with storylines and simulations approach using a WebGIS platform.