Is model terrain following?

[arl.noaa]

Is the dispersion component of the model terrain following? Ie. If I'm using the NOAA NCEP/NCAR re-analysis data, and looking at dispersal of particulates for which changes in terrain (height) can affect their descent from the PBL, is it correct to assume this is accounted for in the model?

Thanks once again, in advance, for your assistance.

[glenn.rolph]

Yes, the model vertical grid coordinate is terrain following, however, the terrain comes from the meteorological data set you are using and since you are using the coarse NCEP/NCAR Re-analysis data the resolution is only 2.5 degrees or about 275 km. Therefore, you will not be resolving much in the way of smaller scale features in the terrain. This may greatly impact your results if they indeed rely on resolving the terrain features.