The dispersion of pollutants in atmosphere is maximum whena)environme...
Dispersion of pollutants in the atmosphere
The dispersion of pollutants in the atmosphere refers to the process by which pollutants are spread out and diluted in the air. This dispersion is influenced by various factors, including the environmental lapse rate and the adiabatic lapse rate.
Environmental lapse rate
The environmental lapse rate refers to the rate at which the temperature decreases with an increase in altitude in the actual atmospheric conditions. It is affected by factors such as solar radiation, wind patterns, and the presence of pollutants.
Adiabatic lapse rate
The adiabatic lapse rate, on the other hand, is the rate at which the temperature decreases with an increase in altitude in a dry adiabatic process. It is a theoretical value and assumes no heat exchange with the surroundings.
Comparison of environmental and adiabatic lapse rates
When the environmental lapse rate is greater than the adiabatic lapse rate, it means that the actual temperature decrease with altitude is steeper than what would be expected in a purely adiabatic process.
This condition leads to unstable atmospheric conditions, as the air parcels tend to rise rapidly due to being warmer than their surroundings. This vertical movement promotes the mixing of pollutants in the atmosphere, resulting in their dispersion.
Explanation of the correct answer
The correct answer to the question is option 'A' - the dispersion of pollutants in the atmosphere is maximum when the environmental lapse rate is greater than the adiabatic lapse rate.
When the environmental lapse rate is greater than the adiabatic lapse rate, it indicates unstable atmospheric conditions. The air parcels rise rapidly, leading to vertical mixing and dispersion of pollutants in the atmosphere.
In contrast, when the environmental lapse rate is less than the adiabatic lapse rate or equal to it, the atmosphere is more stable. In such conditions, the vertical movement of air parcels is limited, resulting in less dispersion of pollutants.
Therefore, the maximum dispersion of pollutants occurs when the environmental lapse rate is greater than the adiabatic lapse rate. This is because the unstable atmospheric conditions promote the vertical mixing and dilution of pollutants in the atmosphere.
The dispersion of pollutants in atmosphere is maximum whena)environme...
Unstable environment means ELR > ALR.
(EIR = Environment Lapse Rate, ALR = Adiabatic Lapse Rate)
A rising air parcel will continue to go up and dispersion of pollutant will be rapid due to vertical mixing of air with pollutants
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