| CODE | GSC3303 | ||||||||
| TITLE | Gaussian Dispersion Theory and Modelling | ||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 03 - Years 2, 3, 4 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 6 | ||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Geosciences | ||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | The study-unit will introduce the students to Gaussian dispersion theory, applicable to air pollution modelling. The main topics to be covered in the study-unit are the following: - Types of air pollution sources (point, line and area sources) with examples; - A brief discussion about emission factors and their calculation (for stacks and motor vehicles); - Dispersion as a combination of advection and diffusion, leading to atmospheric dilution of emissions; - Meteorological factors affecting dispersion e.g. wind, atmospheric stability; - An overview of the different types of dispersion models; - Gaussian dispersion theory for a point source e.g. stack (detailed treatment): - Coordinate system - Fickian diffusion - Gaussian plume equation - Assumptions of the Gaussian model - Plume rise - Vertical constraints on the plume i.e. reflection at horizontal boundaries (ground and inversion layer) - Emphasis on stability classes and various estimators of the same - Estimation of the dispersion parameters (various methods) - Computations using the Gaussian model - Practical considerations e.g. effect of buildings and topography in general; - Gaussian dispersion theory for a line source e.g. motor vehicles (basic introduction). Study-Unit Aims: The main objective of the study-unit is to equip students with the necessary ideas, theories and tools, that will enable them to apply Gaussian dispersion theory in air pollution modelling. In particular, the students will be trained in identifying types of air pollution sources, and in estimating emission factors (especially for stacks and motor vehicles). Atmospheric dispersion will be presented as a combination of advection and diffusion, leading to atmospheric dilution of emissions and the relevant meteorological factors affecting dispersion will be discussed. Subsequently, an overview of the different types of dispersion models will be given, with emphasis on Gaussian dispersion theory for point and line sources. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Distinguish between different types of air pollution sources as applicable to Gaussian dispersion theory; - Estimate emission factors for stacks and motor vehicles; - Demonstrate knowledge of air pollution meteorology; - Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Gaussian dispersion theory for a point source e.g. stacks, and a line source e.g. motor vehicles; - Calculate the various components (meteorological and otherwise) in the Gaussian dispersion model; - Compute (and hence, predict) air pollution concentration using the Gaussian dispersion model; - Demonstrate basic knowledge of air pollution modelling techniques other than the Gaussian type. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Have sufficient theoretical knowledge and practical experience in developing and using air pollution Gaussian dispersion models; - Appreciate how one area of physics/chemistry can contribute to the understanding of another, especially in the context of environmental problems; - Have sufficient theoretical understanding to solve numerical problems of relevance; - Appreciate the importance of mathematical tools and computer programming, in solving practical environmental problems. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: - Abhishek,T, Colls, J J (2010). Air Pollution: Measurement, Modelling and Mitigation. Third Edition. CRC Press (Of relevance to the study-unit content are chapter 6, and to a lesser extent, chapter 7). Supplementary Readings: Lazaridis, M (2010). First Principles of Meteorology and Air Pollution. Environmental Pollution Volume 19. Springer. |
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| ADDITIONAL NOTES | Pre-requisite Study-Units: GSC1401 | ||||||||
| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture and Tutorial | ||||||||
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| LECTURER/S | Alfred Micallef |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2024/5. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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