Atmospheric stagnation, recirculation and ventilation characteristics at Kakrapar atomic power station site

This paper describes the meteorological characteristics of Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) site (inland site) by using the integral parameters developed by Allwine and Whiteman. Meteorological data measured during the period 1995–2000, were analysed. The integral quantities related to the occurrence of stagnation, recirculation and ventilation characteristics were studied for KAPS site to asses the dilution potential of the atmosphere. Wind run and recirculation factors were calculated for a 24-h transport time using 6 years of hourly surface measurements of wind speed and direction. The occurrence of stagnation, recirculation and ventilation characteristics during 1995–2000 at KAPS site is observed to be 19.2% of the time, 21.0% of the time and 40.0% of the time, respectively. The presence of strong monsoon winds with predominant wind direction SW during monsoon season lead to higher ventilation (60.4% of the monsoon season). The presence of light winds and more dispersed winds during winter season with predominant wind directions E and ENE resulting more stagnation (26.5% of the winter season) and recirculation (32.6% of the winter season). Thus this study will serve as an essential meteorological tool to understand the transport mechanism of atmospheric releases from any industry including nuclear industry.