Stable atmospheric conditions help in

Correct option is A

Stable atmospheric conditions occur when the atmosphere resists vertical air movement, typically due to temperature inversions. This stability traps air pollutants close to the ground, leading to their accumulation rather than dispersion.
1. What Causes Stability?
· In stable conditions, a warmer layer of air sits above cooler surface air, preventing upward air currents.
· This lack of vertical mixing keeps pollutants confined to lower atmospheric levels.
2. Impact of Stability on Pollutants:
· Air pollutants like particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds remain concentrated near the source of emission.
· This can lead to smog formation, reduced air quality, and health hazards in urban and industrial areas.
Information Booster:
Key Features of Stable Atmospheric Conditions:
· Temperature Inversions: Occurs when temperature increases with height, trapping cooler air and pollutants below.
· Low Wind Speeds: Prevents horizontal dispersion of pollutants.
· Examples of Effects: Smog episodes in cities like Delhi or Los Angeles.
Contrasting Conditions:
· Unstable Atmospheric Conditions: Promote vertical mixing of air, aiding the dispersion and dilution of pollutants.
Additional Knowledge (b) Dispersion of air pollutants: Stable conditions prevent dispersion by limiting vertical air movement.
(c) Dispersion of water pollutants: Atmospheric stability does not influence water pollutants directly.
(d) Neutralisation of air pollutants: Stability does not neutralize pollutants but instead exacerbates their accumulation.