Evaluating the performance of ENVI-met simulations in Presidente Prudente, Brazil

• Grant number: 19/23517-5
• Support type: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Effective date (Start): January 01, 2020
• Effective date (End): July 04, 2020
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Geography
• Principal researcher: Margarete Cristiane de Costa Trindade Amorim
• Grantee: Renata dos Santos Cardoso
• Supervisor abroad: James Voogt
• Home Institution: Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia (FCT). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Presidente Prudente. Presidente Prudente , SP, Brazil
• Research place: Western University , Canada
• Associated to the scholarship: 17/03514-6 - Urban climate modeling: dynamics and scenarios, BP.DR

Abstract

Simulations with ENVI-met are a promising method to improve understanding of microclimate and design scenarios for more sustainable living conditions. The model was initially developed for temperate climates and because its basic settings do not necessarily correspond to tropical climates, it tends to underestimate daytime temperatures. To overcome this limitation and ensure that good input conditions are given, our objective is to perform sensitivity tests during the research internship abroad (BEPE) at Western University to improve the calibration process and increase the agreement between observed and simulated data in local climate zones (LCZ) in Presidente Prudente. Next, we will calculate validation statistics such as the root mean square error (RMSE) and related measures, as well as the index of agreement (d) to evaluate ENVI-met performance and its ability to predict reality and design scenarios. The simulation products will be essential to assess the microclimates in the study areas and test strategies to reduce urban temperatures. (AU)