Statistical Models of Atmospheric Dispersion

Abstract

Specifying the temporal and spatial variability of atmospheric dispersivity is an important part of a general understanding of the meteorological aspects of air pollution and its social and economic implications. There are several reasons why, two of which may be mentioned here. For steady sources the occasional occurrence of pollutant concentrations well in excess of the long-term mean may be, and often are, the main cause of resulting harm or nuisance. Accidental releases of toxic substances over relatively short periods can produce locally serious threats to the population. It is important for planning to meet such emergencies to have estimates of the exposures that might arise and of their occurrence frequencies.