If I choose AGL for the start height, does that mean that for the entire model run the computed heights are relative to

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sonny.zinn
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If I choose AGL for the start height, does that mean that for the entire model run the computed heights are relative to

Post by sonny.zinn »

[Note that the question and the answer below are recreated from a HYSPLIT FAQ site that predates this forum site. The original posting date is unknown.]

Question: If I choose AGL for the start height, does that mean that for the entire model run the computed heights are relative to the ground? I’m concerned about this because of the terrain in the mountains. I don’t want values to be “underground.”

Answer: The AGL only refers to the coordinate reference frame used to specify the initial starting height. The model computation is the same regardless of how the height is specified. It is a terrain following calculation. If there is no vertical motion, then the trajectory will stay at the initial AGL height regardless of the actual terrain height. By definition of the model’s vertical coordinate system, trajectories can never go below ground.

Roland Draxler
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