AQS Meteorology & Atmospheric Science Flashcards

The Gaussian plume dispersion model assumes pollutants spread in what mathematical pattern crosswind?

Answer: Normal (bell-curve) distribution

Gaussian dispersion models assume a normal distribution of pollutant concentrations in both the horizontal and vertical crosswind directions from a plume centerline.

Fumigation in air quality meteorology refers to:

Answer: Rapid downward mixing of an elevated plume to ground level

Fumigation occurs when an elevated plume is trapped beneath a temperature inversion and is mixed to the surface by turbulent eddies, causing sharp ground-level concentration spikes.

What role does solar radiation play in ground-level ozone formation?

Answer: It provides energy to drive photochemical reactions between NOx and VOCs

Ultraviolet solar radiation catalyzes the photochemical reaction between nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to produce ground-level ozone.

Sea breeze circulation typically affects coastal air quality by:

Answer: Recirculating inland pollutants back to coastal areas in the evening

Daytime sea breezes carry coastal pollutants inland; overnight land breezes can return processed pollutants seaward, causing recirculation and elevated concentrations.

In Gaussian dispersion modeling, effective stack height accounts for:

Answer: Physical stack height plus plume rise due to buoyancy and momentum

Effective stack height equals the physical stack height plus plume rise, which depends on exit velocity, temperature excess, and atmospheric stability.

Which atmospheric stability class represents the most unstable (highly convective) conditions in the Pasquill-Gifford system?

Answer: Class A

Class A represents extremely unstable conditions with strong insolation and light winds, promoting rapid vertical mixing and the greatest dilution of pollutants.