Effective source flux parameters for use in analytical plume rise models

Abstract

The derivation of analytical or closed form plume rise and growth formulas is reviewed in order to clarify (a) the relationship between the various forms of the formulas which appear in the literature and (b) the relationship between the different source momentum and buoyancy flux definitions which appear in the literature. In particular, the effective source radius, source momentum flux parameter, and source buoyancy flux parameter, consistent with the assumptions inherent in analytical models, are discussed. The importance of using corrected source flux terms is illustrated by comparing predictions with field observations of a plume from a large industrial source.