Atmospheric Dispersion Characteristics in Coastal Environments.
Abstract
Proposed construction of offshore facilities such as nuclear-power plants, airports, and other structures which are potential emitters of pollutants necessitate consideration of atmospheric diffusion and analysis of the feasibility of such structures from the meteorological point of view. The potentially harmful nature of the radioactive materials involved dictates that even small quantities be treated with respect. Special attention must be given to design criteria in locations where hurricanes (typhoons), storm surges, tsunamis, waterspouts, or other catastrophic meteorological and oceanographic phenomena may occur. The movement of air pollutants is governed primarily by wind systems. In coastal zones influenced by land- and sea-breeze systems, at least two inversion layers exist: the mesoscale subsidence inversion and inversion associated with the internal boundary layer. Thus, from an air-pollution point of view, there is no advantage to locating a power plant or similar structure offshore because on-shore airflow will bring the pollutants to the coast. There are some areas along continental and island coasts which may be suitable for power plant or airport location. Major criteria are the following: (1) Offshore winds should be prevalent during most of the year, particularly during the summer; (2) the upwind coastal region should be relatively flat in order to avoid a mesoscale turbulent vortex; (3) offshore bottom slope should be gentle and bathymetrically uniform to attenuate storm surges and minimize wave effects.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA033505
Entities
People
- S. A. Hsu
Organizations
- Louisiana State University