Technical Bulletin No. 0087: The Importance of Local Meteorological Conditions in the Evaluation of Atmospheric Pollution Problems

  The ability of the atmosphere to disperse and diffuse an air borne effluent from any source varies widely with weather conditions. Under certain circumstances, this ability may be a thousand times as great as at others. In this report, Admiral A. L. Danis, Meteorologist associated with the National Council Atmospheric Pollution Study Project at the diversity of Florida, describes the various types of temperature gradients which may occur and their effect upon atmospheric stability. The significance of these patterns upon the dispersion of pollutants is discussed. A study of these meteorological variables is believed essential to provide an understanding, or explanation, of some of the problems associated with air pollution. Of particular importance, is the need to study these variables before a plant location is selected and the physical facilities constructed. This may eliminate many subsequent technical and public relations problems. Admiral Danis briefly discusses some of the measurements which should be made in a meteorological survey and the instruments in common use for this work.