Meteorology is the science of the atmosphere. The atmosphere is the media into which all air pollution is emitted. Atmospheric processes such as the movement of air (wind) and the exchange of heat (convection and radiation for example) dictate the fate of
pollutants as they go through the stages of transport, dispersion, transformation and removal. Air pollution meteorology is the study of how these atmospheric processes affect the fate of air pollutants.
Since the atmosphere serves as the medium into which air pollutants are released, the transport and dispersion of these releases are influenced significantly by meteorological parameters. Understanding air pollution meteorology and its influence in pollutant dispersion is essential in air quality planning activities. Planners use this knowledge to help locate air pollution monitoring stations and to develop implementation plans to bring ambient air quality into compliance with standards. Meteorology is used in predicting the ambient impact of a new source of air pollution and to determine the effect on air quality from modifications to existing sources.
When meteorological conditions develop that are not conducive to pollutant dispersion, governmental air pollution agencies must act fast to ensure that air pollutants don’t build up to unacceptable levels in the air we breathe. When pollutant levels become excessively high, an air pollution episode results and emissions into the atmosphere must be curtailed. Hence, the meteorology of air pollution plays an important role in the atmosphere for transport and dispersion of the air pollutants.
No comments:
Post a Comment