Which dispersion is described as a conical shape with linear, radial expansion away from the release point?

Which dispersion is described as a conical shape with linear, radial expansion away from the release point?

• A. Plume dispersion
• B. Cone shape dispersion
• C. Stream dispersion
• D. Pool pattern

Answer: (B)

A conical shape dispersion describes a plume that widens at a constant rate as it travels away from the release point. The cross-sectional radius increases linearly with distance, so the contaminant forms a cone around the release axis. This happens when the released material has enough momentum or buoyancy to push outward while mixing with the surrounding air at a steady rate, producing a stable cone angle. This pattern is different from a plume dispersion, which tends to stretch more in the wind-driven direction and broaden gradually, a pool pattern that spreads across a surface in a roughly circular or irregular footprint, and stream dispersion which follows a flow path in a channel. Thus, the cone shape dispersion best matches a linear, radial expansion away from the release point.

A conical shape dispersion describes a plume that widens at a constant rate as it travels away from the release point. The cross-sectional radius increases linearly with distance, so the contaminant forms a cone around the release axis. This happens when the released material has enough momentum or buoyancy to push outward while mixing with the surrounding air at a steady rate, producing a stable cone angle.

This pattern is different from a plume dispersion, which tends to stretch more in the wind-driven direction and broaden gradually, a pool pattern that spreads across a surface in a roughly circular or irregular footprint, and stream dispersion which follows a flow path in a channel. Thus, the cone shape dispersion best matches a linear, radial expansion away from the release point.