The dispersion of atmospheric tracers in nocturnal drainage flows

Journal Article · Sat Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1989 · J. Appl. Meteorol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1175/1520-0450(1989)028<0602:TDOATI>2.0.CO;2· OSTI ID:6039717

Gudiksen, P H; Shearer, D L

This paper summarizes the results of a series of perfluorocarbon tracer experiments that were carried out in the Brush Creek Valley in western Colorado under the auspices of the Atmospheric Studies in Complex Terrain (ASCOT) program. The results indicate that tracers entrained within the valley's nocturnal drainage flows displayed well defined plumes that were not influenced significantly by the larger scale flows above this deep and narrow valley. Thus, the spatial distributions of the tracers were primarily governed by the structure of the drainage flows. None of the tracers released within the valley were detected in significant quantities on the adjoining meses or within the adjacent valleys prior to sunrise.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California (US); U.S. Army Atmospheric Sciences Laboratory, White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 6039717
• Journal Information: J. Appl. Meteorol.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Appl. Meteorol.; (United States) Vol. 28:7; ISSN JOAME
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

500100* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Basic Studies-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AIR POLLUTION
COLORADO
DRAINAGE
FEDERAL REGION VIII
ISOTOPE APPLICATIONS
METEOROLOGY
NORTH AMERICA
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC FLUORINE COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
PLUMES
POLLUTION
TRACER TECHNIQUES
USA
VALLEYS
WIND