What term describes the time period required for a COTA to become airborne?

The correct answer is the term that refers to the period necessary for a continuously operating tank apparatus (COTA) to transition from a state of being non-airborne to becoming airborne. When considering this, "Source Duration" effectively captures the span of time that the emission source is actively releasing the contaminant into the environment before it can disperse into the air.

Understanding this term helps in atmospheric dispersion modeling and risk assessment, as it directly influences the concentration of pollutants in the air and the potential exposure to individuals nearby. The duration of the release is critical for calculating the dispersion patterns and the eventual impact on the surrounding environment.

Any other choices do not accurately define this specific time frame: "Release Time" might suggest the moment a substance begins to be released, while "Exposure Time" typically refers to the duration that individuals could be exposed to a contaminant after it has become airborne. "Airborne Interval" could imply a focus on the time a contaminant remains airborne rather than how long it takes to reach that state.