AirEmergency
Rapid atmospheric dispersion model for emergency response based on Gaussian plume equations.
AirEmergency is a QGIS plugin implementing a Gaussian plume approach for rapid atmospheric dispersion assessments in emergency situations. The plugin is intended for screening-level and expedited analyses, providing a fast estimation of airborne concentrations and dry deposition from accidental releases, fires, or other emergency scenarios. AirEmergency is NOT intended for detailed regulatory assessments, environmental impact studies, permitting applications, or planning activities requiring high-accuracy modeling. For such purposes, more advanced and thoroughly validated models (e.g. AERMOD, CALPUFF or equivalent regulatory models) should be used. Main features include ground-level concentration estimation, dry deposition estimation, Buoyant plume rise from fire heat release, terrain correction through DEM integration, direct GIS visualization of results within QGIS. Results should be considered indicative and suitable for emergency response, situational awareness, preliminary decision support, and rapid screening analyses. (Turner, D.B. (1994). Workbook of Atmospheric Dispersion Estimates: An Introduction to Dispersion Modeling (2nd Edition). CRC Press;Seinfeld, J.H., Pandis, S.N. (2016). Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics: From Air Pollution to Climate Change (3rd Edition). Wiley. U.S. EPA (2023). Guideline on Air Quality Models, Appendix W to 40 CFR Part 51.)