Low-Altitude Boundary-Layer Flows and Dispersion: Insights from Experiments, Modeling and AI
A special issue of Atmosphere (ISSN 2073-4433).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2026
Special Issue Editors
Interests: urban boundary layer flows; large-eddy simulation; turbulence parametrization; deep learning application; boundary-layer meteorology
Interests: micrometeorology; boundary-layer turbulence; urban canopy parameterization; ventilation; engineering thermal physics
Interests: source profile; source apportionment; emission inventory validation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The low-altitude boundary layer constitutes the lowest portion of the atmospheric boundary layer, where flow dynamics and dispersion characteristics are significantly influenced by surface roughness. Characterizing or predicting flows over heterogeneous surfaces, such as urban terrain, is particularly challenging due to non-uniform shear stress, flow recirculation, and heterogeneous heat and pollutant sources. Nevertheless, this region encompasses the environment where urban residents live, and understanding local wind flows and air pollutant dispersion is critical for improving urban safety and living conditions. Additionally, complex shear flows pose operational risks for low-altitude unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
This Special Issue aims to advance contemporary methodologies and deepen our understanding of flow and dispersion phenomena in low-altitude boundary-layer environments. The expected outcomes will support a range of environmental and engineering applications, including strategies for mitigating UAV flight hazards and tackling pressing real-world challenges. We invite high-quality studies employing traditional approaches (field observations, wind tunnel experiments, numerical simulations, and theoretical analysis), as well as novel AI techniques. Contributions should enhance current knowledge, propose innovative modeling tools for flow and dispersion patterns in low-altitude boundary layers, and offer valuable insights to the broader scientific community.
Dr. Wai-Chi Cheng
Prof. Dr. Guangdong Duan
Dr. Ziwei Mo
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- low-altitude boundary layer
- urban flow dynamics
- pollutant dispersion
- heterogeneous surfaces
- UAV flight hazards
- wind and turbulence
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