What is one key influence on denser-than-air effects?

The phenomenon of denser-than-air effects relates primarily to how temperature differences affect the behavior of gases. When a gas is released into the atmosphere, its density is influenced by its temperature relative to the surrounding air. Colder, denser air will tend to remain lower, while warmer, less dense air will rise. This temperature differential plays a crucial role in determining how and where denser-than-air gases will travel or accumulate, particularly if they are heavier than the ambient air.

Wind speed also has an influence on dispersion, but it is more significant for lighter-than-air gases or for the overall mixing of air rather than specifically for denser-than-air effects. Therefore, while wind can aid in dispersing a gas, it does not fundamentally dictate the behavior of a gas that is denser than air in the same way that temperature does.

Humidity and sunlight exposure influence atmospheric conditions, but their effects are secondary compared to the critical role temperature plays in causing denser-than-air gases to settle. Thus, understanding the importance of temperature as it relates to density helps clarify the dynamics involved in denser-than-air scenarios.