ICUC12-63, updated on 21 May 2025
https://doi.org/10.5194/icuc12-63
12th International Conference on Urban Climate
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Turbulence parameterization scheme of Local Climate Zone-Based Urban Morphologies Using Large Eddy Simulation
Siyu Wang and Jiachuan Yang
Siyu Wang and Jiachuan Yang
  • The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hong Kong (swanggq@connect.ust.hk)

This study utilizes Large Eddy Simulation (LES) to parameterize urban turbulence in the framework of Local Climate Zones (LCZ). The LES approach's dependability for simulating urban turbulence was confirmed by thorough validation against the Architectural Institute of Japan's (AIJ) high-standard wind tunnel tests. This validation was followed by a systematic investigation of the turbulence dynamics and three-dimensional flow properties across different types of LCZ. The impact of urban shape and surface roughness on turbulence behavior was captured by quantifying and parameterizing key turbulence metrics, such as the turbulence kinetic energy (TKE) dissipation rate, drag coefficients, and characteristic length scales. Considerable degree of heterogeneity in turbulence characteristics among LCZ variants. Because of increased surface roughness and thermal storage effects, compact high-rise zones showed lower characteristic length scales, increased turbulence intensity, and higher TKE dissipation rates. On the other hand, open low-rise zones showed bigger characteristic length scales, lower dissipation rates, and weaker turbulence intensities. These results demonstrate the close relationship between urban morphology and atmospheric processes, as well as the crucial role that LCZ-specific urban layouts play in forming turbulence regimes. The parameterization of urban turbulence within the LCZ framework is advanced in this study, offering a strong methodological basis for air quality prediction and urban climate modeling. This study provides important insights into the intricate relationship between turbulence dynamics and urban structure by combining high-fidelity numerical simulations with conventional urban classifications. It is anticipated that the results will help design climate-resilient cities and guide the creation of sustainable urban planning policies.

How to cite: Wang, S. and Yang, J.: Turbulence parameterization scheme of Local Climate Zone-Based Urban Morphologies Using Large Eddy Simulation, 12th International Conference on Urban Climate, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, 7–11 Jul 2025, ICUC12-63, https://doi.org/10.5194/icuc12-63, 2025.

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