Passive Atmospheric Diffusion With Gaussian Fragmentation

Abstract

Events such as atmospheric gas dispersion by industrial accidents or processes are generally predicted with Gaussian plumes, coupled with local models of gas emission. In this contribution we investigate the association of integral models of instantaneous emission with Gaussian dispersion processes for predicting the progression of potentially hazardous low-altitude emissions over sensitive or populated areas. We develop a novel, more accurate approach suitable for dynamic, high spatial resolution atmospheric conditions by means of gas plume fragmentation and parallel estimation of extent and concentration.