Comparison of the inherent data error in plume rise models

Abstract

Differences between Gaussian model results and observations depend highly on the individual data errors of the parameters considered in the model. For example, errors in the estimated plume rise can be partly explained by the semi-empirical character of its estimation procedures. Nevertheless, inherent data errors keep being important. A mathematical estimate of the expected plume rise error due to imprecise input data is provided for different known plume rise formulae to be used in Gaussian models. The influence of this data error in the model results is presented.