5. Atmospheric Dispersion Dynamics

Try these first

1. 1.

   What happens to temperature during a temperature inversion?

   Hint

   Think about how temperature behaves during the day versus at night.

2. 2.

   Define the adiabatic lapse rate.

   Hint

   Consider what happens to air as it rises.

3. 3.

   What is the dry adiabatic lapse rate?

   • -6.5°C/km
   • -9.8°C/km
   • -12°C/km

   Hint

   Recall the standard value for dry air rising.

4. 4.

   True or False: Pollution concentrations are typically higher when the atmosphere is unstable.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider how rising air helps to mix and disperse pollutants.

5. 5.

   A pollutant is released from a stack in a stable environment with a temperature inversion. Describe the expected behavior of the pollutant in terms of concentration and dispersion.

   Hint

   Think of how air behaves in layers under temperature inversion.

6. 6.

   Calculate the mixing height if the environmental lapse rate is 5°C/km and the starting temperature is 25°C, while the surrounding temperature at the intersection is 15°C.

   Hint

   Determine the height at which temperatures equalize.