Effect of a surface inversion on plume behaviour and wind direction - and dust pollution on the following day

2nd October 2003

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These are thumbnail views looking to the south west on the 2nd October 2003.  After a clear night a surface inversion had developed in the Bann Valley.  Low down there was a general drift of air from south to north (left to right in the images) down the valley - gravitational flow out to sea.  Above the inversion, there was a light north wind coming from the sea. The exit speed and temperature of gases was sufficient to take them through the inversion

This effect is seen by the smoke and steam being taken north within the inversion, but to the south above it.  The change of wind direction with height is well seen at 9am but by 10.30 the surface gravitational flow had just about ceased.

3rd October 2003

During the night of 2/3 October dust was deposited from Spanboard over nearby areas.  Here are some thumbnail images of one of my cars taken at noon on the 3rd.  The large quantity of dust is clear to see.  The health implications of breathing in these dust particles (as some must have done) and eye irritation added to the almost invisible gases many have to breathe are very worrying, and don't seem to be being addressed.  Each may be enlarged by clicking on them