In the context of dispersion modeling, what are "source characteristics"?

Source characteristics refer to the key parameters that define how pollutants are released into the atmosphere. These characteristics significantly impact the behavior and distribution of the pollutants as they disperse. Specifically, elements such as emission height (the height at which pollutants are released), emission velocity (the speed at which pollutants exit the source), and temperature (the thermal condition of the emitted substances) play crucial roles in determining how far and in what direction the pollutants will travel after being emitted.

Understanding these parameters is essential for accurate dispersion modeling because they influence turbulence, mixing, and the overall dispersion patterns in the atmosphere. For instance, higher emission heights may allow pollutants to disperse over a larger area due to reduced ground-level effects, while increased velocity may help the pollutants travel further away from the source before settling. Thus, recognizing and accurately modeling these source characteristics is critical to predicting the environmental impact of emissions effectively.