What is the significance of plume rise in atmospheric dispersion?

Plume rise plays a crucial role in atmospheric dispersion by determining how high pollutants will ascend before they begin to disperse into the surrounding air. The height that a plume rises is influenced by factors such as the temperature of the emissions relative to the ambient air and the momentum of the pollutants. When a plume rises, it can take advantage of the vertical mixing of the atmosphere, allowing pollutants to spread over a larger area and reducing their concentration at ground level, which is important for assessing potential impacts on air quality and human health. Thus, understanding plume rise is essential for predicting the behavior and dispersion of pollutants in the atmosphere.