Example preset
Choose a preset to fill the form and refresh results instantly.
Inputs
Advanced options (line heatmap)
Calculation result
—
| σy (m) | — |
|---|---|
| σz (m) | — |
| model | — |
Details (exponential term/intermediate value)
Center line (y=0, z=0) concentration profile
—
| distance x | Concentration C (µg/m³) | log10(C+ε) |
|---|
Isodensity heatmap (x-y, z=0)
—
Formulas and assumptions
- Reflection ON:
C = Q/(2πuσyσz) × exp(-y²/(2σy²)) × [exp(-(z-H)²/(2σz²)) + exp(-(z+H)²/(2σz²))] - Reflection OFF: Calculate with the second term in square brackets as 0.
- σy and σz use the Briggs rural approximation (A-F). Recommended x range: 100 to 10,000 m.
- Results are short-term average estimates from a steady-state model. Apply time-averaging corrections when needed.
- Set u to a representative wind speed near the emission height. Use caution when comparing with near-ground observations.
How to use this calculator effectively
This guide helps you use Gaussian plume concentration calculator in a repeatable way: define a baseline, change one variable at a time, and interpret outputs with explicit assumptions before you share or act on results.
How it works
The page applies deterministic logic to your inputs and shows rounded output for readability. Treat it as a comparison workflow: run one baseline case, adjust a single parameter, and measure both absolute and percentage deltas. If a result seems off, verify units, time basis, and sign conventions before drawing conclusions. This approach keeps your analysis reproducible across teammates and sessions.
When to use
Use this page when you need a fast estimate, a classroom check, or a practical what-if comparison. It works best for planning and prioritization steps where you need direction and magnitude quickly before investing in deeper modeling, manual spreadsheets, or formal external review.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Changing multiple parameters at once, which hides the true cause of output movement.
- Mixing units (percent vs decimal, monthly vs yearly, gross vs net) across scenarios.
- Comparing with another tool without aligning defaults, constants, and rounding rules.
- Using rounded display values as exact downstream inputs without re-checking precision.
Interpretation and worked example
Run a baseline scenario and keep that result visible. Next, modify one assumption to reflect your realistic alternative and compare direction plus size of change. If the direction matches your domain expectation and the size is plausible, your setup is usually coherent. If not, check hidden defaults, boundary conditions, and interpretation notes before deciding which scenario to adopt.
See also
FAQ
What should I do first on this page?
Start with the minimum required inputs or the first action shown near the primary button. Keep optional settings at defaults for a baseline run, then change one setting at a time so you can explain what caused each output change.
Why does this page differ from another tool?
Different pages often use different defaults, units, rounding rules, or assumptions. Align those settings before comparing outputs. If differences remain, compare each intermediate step rather than only the final number.
How reliable are the displayed values?
Values are computed in the browser and rounded for display. They are good for planning and educational checks, but for regulated or high-stakes decisions you should validate assumptions with official guidance or professional review.
Can I share and reproduce this result?
Yes. Use the share or URL controls when available. Keep a baseline case and one changed case so others can reproduce your reasoning and verify that the direction and scale of change are consistent.
Is my input uploaded somewhere?
Core calculations run locally in your browser. Some pages encode parameters in a shareable URL, but no automatic upload is performed unless you explicitly share that link.
How to use Gaussian plume concentration calculator effectively
What this calculator does
This page is for estimating outcomes by changing inputs in one controlled workflow. The model keeps your focus on variables, not output shape. Start with stable assumptions, then test sensitivity by changing one key input at a time to observe directional impact.
Input meaning and unit policy
Each input has an expected unit and a typical range. For reliable interpretation, check whether you are using the same unit system, period, and base assumptions across all runs. Unit mismatch is the most common source of unexpected drift in numeric results.
Use-case sequence
A practical sequence is: first run with defaults, then create a baseline log, then run one alternative scenario, and finally compare only the changed output metric. This sequence reduces cognitive load and prevents false pattern recognition in early experiments.
Common mistakes to avoid
Avoid changing too many variables at once, mixing incompatible data sources, and interpreting a one-time output without checking robustness. A single contradictory input can flip conclusions, so keep each experiment minimal and document assumptions as part of your note.
Interpretation guidance
Review both magnitude and direction. Direction tells you whether a strategy moves outcomes in the desired direction, while magnitude helps you judge practicality. If both agree, you can proceed; if not, rebuild the baseline and verify constraints before deciding.
Related tools
- Geology/Environment (Environmental Engineering (Diffusion/Chimney/Noise/CO₂))
- Effective chimney height (plume rise simple) + diffusion cooperation (ES-023)
- AQI: Measured value → index/class display (method selection) (ES-020)
- ppm/ppb ↔ mg/m³ conversion (gas: molecular weight, temperature, pressure) (ES-006)
- Electricity CO₂ emissions: Coefficient preset + manual input (ES-022)