This short course provided a concise review of the basic theories, models and observations of pollutant dispersal in the atmosphere. Theoretical and empirical bases of frequently used dispersion models were discussed, while emphasizing the limitations and uncertainties inherent in the models. Background material on air pollution problems, atmospheric structure, thermodynamics, dynamics and circulation systems and their importance to atmospheric dispersion was also included, together with some aspects of air pollution monitoring and management.

The topics covered on the courses were:

• Introduction to Air Pollution
• Atmospheric Structure and Thermodynamics
• Environmental Fluid Dynamics
• Atmospheric Systems and Pollutant Transport
• Planetary Boundary Layer
• Boundary-Layer Parameterization
• Diffusion Theories and Models
• Statistical and Lagrangian Similarity Theories
• Short-Range Practical Dispersion Models
• Plume Rise
• Gravitational Setting and Dry Deposition
• Urban and Regional Air Quality Models

The course was presented by Professor S. Pal Arya, a Professor of Meteorology at the North Carolina State University, USA. Professor Arya teaches an undergraduate course in micrometeorology and graduate courses in environmental fluid mechanics, air pollution meteorology, planetary boundary layer, atmospheric turbulence and atmospheric dispersion. Professor Arya is a Fellow of American Meteorological Society, a Fellow of American Association for the Advancement of Science, and member of American Geophysical Union. He is also a member of the honour society Phi Kappa. Currently he is an Associate Editor of the Journal of Applied Meteorology. Prof Arya has published more than 90 papers, book chapters and two textbooks.