The accuracy of plume models often relies on what major environmental condition?

The accuracy of plume models heavily relies on wind stability because it directly affects how pollutants are dispersed in the atmosphere. Wind stability refers to the atmospheric conditions that determine how the air moves vertically and horizontally, which is crucial when predicting the trajectory and concentration of a plume.

Stable atmospheric conditions can lead to less dispersion of pollutants, causing them to remain concentrated near the source. Conversely, unstable conditions facilitate mixing, allowing pollutants to spread out more broadly. This makes understanding and measuring wind stability vital for accurate modeling.

While humidity, temperature fluctuations, and pressure gradients can influence atmospheric conditions, they play a secondary role compared to wind stability in plume dispersion modeling. Therefore, wind stability is recognized as a key environmental factor that significantly impacts the outcomes of plume dispersion simulations.