1. Research atmospheric stability and define it. Then list the stability classes as defined by Pasquill, and provide a brief table of parameters such as wind speeds that define each class. Table should be in the form:

Stability Class	Wind Speeds	Other Characteristics

1. In the early phases of a nuclear incident, it is unlikely to have sufficient information available to make accurate dose projections in order to determine if further protective actions should be implemented in additional areas. In the absence of the necessary source term and/or environmental (meteorological) data (required for more sophisticated modeling methods), a simple but crude hand calculation based on field measurements can be made. Exposure rate data can be gathered from field measurements at several points within the plume to estimate the extent of the exposed area and to determine a "centerline" value for the plume. These measurements should be made at approximately 1 meter height, and at a distance of 1 mile or greater from the source point. The following relationship can be used for this calculation: D₂ = D₁ (R₁/ R₂)^y Where D₁ and D₂ are centerline exposure rates at distances R₁ and R₂ from the release point; and y is a constant that depends on atmospheric stability. The y parameter will vary between 1 and 2, depending on the stability class. Following a postulated release, suppose a dose measurement of 500 mrem/hr is made at a distance of 1 mile from the release point. Assuming the parameter y = 2, what is the projected exposure at 10 miles? What stability class (or classes) is assumed? (Hint: use references.)
2. The "bell shaped" curve, formally known as the Normal Distribution, has wide application over a broad range of fields. Write down the probability distribution function for the Normal or as it is also often called, the Gaussian Distribution, and sketch the curve.

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Atmospheric stability refers to the condition of the atmosphere with respect to vertical motion and the dispersion of pollutants or other substances It is an important factor in understanding the beha... View the full answer