What occurs to a smoke column under stable air conditions?

Under stable air conditions, a smoke column behaves in a way that allows it to rise only to a certain height before it begins to spread out horizontally. This phenomenon is due to the presence of temperature inversions or a lack of vertical mixing in the atmosphere, which keeps the air layer above the smoke column warmer than the air below. As a result, the buoyancy that initially allows the smoke to rise is diminished once it encounters the stable layer, leading to a limited vertical rise and subsequently spreading out laterally.

This behavior is significant because it can influence fire behavior, smoke dispersal, and air quality in the surrounding area. When conditions are stable, smoke may not travel great distances upwards, which could lead to increased smoke concentrations and lower visibility at ground level. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for fire management and public safety during wildfire incidents.