need an example to understand how topographical factors intensify air pollution and how they can help pollution?
Since this is not my area of expertise, I searched Google under the key words "topography 'air pollution'" to get these possible sources:
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http://www.pscleanair.org/airq/basics/weather/default.aspx
http://www.valleyair.org/newsed/apvalley.htm
http://www.arb.ca.gov/knowzone/students/airpollu/airpolpage/whyis.htm
http://www.metroactive.com/papers/metro/09.25.03/smog-0339.html
http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761577413/Air_Pollution.html
I hope this helps. Thanks for asking.
What is found on the inland side of a mountain range
On the inland side of a mountain range, you often find a phenomenon called the "rain shadow effect." When prevailing winds encounter a mountain range, they are forced to rise and cool down as they ascend. As the air cools, it is unable to hold as much moisture, leading to condensation and the formation of clouds. This process often results in precipitation on the windward side of the mountain range, which is the side from which the wind is coming.
However, on the leeward side of the mountain range, which is the inland side opposite the direction of the wind, the air descends and warms up. As the air descends, it compresses and becomes drier, resulting in less cloud formation and less precipitation. This leeward side is often referred to as the rain shadow, as it receives significantly less rainfall compared to the windward side.
The dry conditions on the leeward side of a mountain range can affect air pollution in a couple of ways. First, the lack of rainfall can lead to reduced air dispersion. Typically, rainfall helps to wash away pollutants from the atmosphere, but in a rain shadow area, there is less precipitation available to remove pollutants from the air. This can result in higher concentrations of pollutants, intensifying air pollution in these regions.
Second, the topography of a mountain range can create stagnant air conditions in valleys located behind the range. The airflow over the mountain range can trap pollutants in these valleys, leading to the accumulation of pollutants and higher pollution levels.
However, it's important to note that topographical factors can also help with pollution in certain cases. For example, in coastal regions with sea breezes, the airflow from the ocean towards the land can help to disperse pollutants and improve air quality. Additionally, higher elevation areas, such as mountains, can experience cleaner air due to decreased pollution sources at higher altitudes and more efficient dispersion of pollutants in the atmosphere.
Overall, topographical factors play a crucial role in shaping air pollution patterns, intensifying pollution in some areas and helping to mitigate it in others.