Estimating Stability Class in the Field

Leonidas G. Lavdas

doi:10.2737/SRS-RN-4

Treesearch

Estimating Stability Class in the Field

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Leonidas G. Lavdas

Year:

1997

Type:

Research Note

Station:

Southern Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2737/SRS-RN-4

Source:

Res. Note SE-4. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southeastern Forest Experiment Station. 2 p.

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Abstract

A simple and easily remembered method is described for estimating cloud ceiling height in the field. Estimating ceiling height provides the means to estimate stability class, a parameter used to help determine Dispersion Index and Low Visibility Occurrence Risk Index, indices used as smoke management aids. Stability class is also used as an input to VSMOKE, an atmospheric dispersion model used to estimate prescribed fire smoke effects on air quality and visibility.

Keywords

Cloud ceiling height, Dispersion Index, dispersion models, Low Visibility Occurrence Risk Index, prescribed burning, stability class

Citation

Lavdas, Leonidas G. 1997. Estimating Stability Class in the Field. Res. Note SE-4. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southeastern Forest Experiment Station. 2 p.