The cloud dispersion pattern is also known as which of the following?

The cloud dispersion pattern is also known as which of the following?

• A. Elliptical dispersion
• B. Linear dispersion
• C. Spherical dispersion
• D. Circular dispersion

Answer: (D)

The cloud dispersion pattern is circular dispersion because it represents the release spreading outward evenly in all directions from the source when conditions are effectively uniform in the horizontal plane. In such isotropic conditions, the hazard grows as a circle around the source on a map or diagram, reflecting equal radius in every direction. When wind or terrain cause the cloud to stretch, the shape would become elliptical or linear along the wind, and in still air a true three-dimensional spread would be spherical; the circular pattern is the simple, common 2D representation of uniform horizontal dispersion.

The cloud dispersion pattern is circular dispersion because it represents the release spreading outward evenly in all directions from the source when conditions are effectively uniform in the horizontal plane. In such isotropic conditions, the hazard grows as a circle around the source on a map or diagram, reflecting equal radius in every direction. When wind or terrain cause the cloud to stretch, the shape would become elliptical or linear along the wind, and in still air a true three-dimensional spread would be spherical; the circular pattern is the simple, common 2D representation of uniform horizontal dispersion.