5.1. Stack Emission and Plume Formation

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is the environmental lapse rate?

   Hint

   Consider the relationship between height and temperature.

2. 2.

   Define buoyancy.

   Hint

   Think of what happens to hot air compared to cool air.

3. 3.

   What is the dry adiabatic lapse rate?

   • -9.8°C/km
   • -5.0°C/km
   • -1.0°C/km

   Hint

   Remember the temperature drop associated with rising air.

4. 4.

   True or False: Temperature inversion allows for better dispersion of pollutants.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about how pollutants behave in warmer air that sits above cooler air.

5. 5.

   Considering a city with frequent temperature inversions, predict how air quality might change throughout the day on a summer evening.

   Hint

   Think about the time of day and its temperature effects.

6. 6.

   Evaluate how increased humidity might affect mean mixing height in a coastal city during a hot summer day.

   Hint

   Reflect on the relationship between humidity and temperature stability.