| The wind in this area usually comes
over the Torne ridge from the
North or NorthEast. This creates eddies in the Valley below. Eddies
are
relatively stationary bodies of air or water, holding everything in
it
for awhile. Eddies are the main reason that Denver has so much air
pollution. The prevailing westerly winds come over the Rockies
Front
Range and Denver sits below on the lee side. Pollutants get trapped
and
are not blown away. Its also the same effect which, in white water,
makes keepers on the downstream side of a dam. The power plant
developers propose to build 300 foot high smokestacks. These will
be
below the ridge, which is about 800 feet to 1000 feet high. So,
under
certain weather conditions, hot exhaust gases, moisture and
particulants
produced by the power plants will build up in the Valley.
Gas turbines produce a lot of moisture. You see that as contrails on
high flying jets. Water vapor in the air is reduced as the air
temperature drops. That's why cold winter air is dry and hot
summer air
can be very humid. If the air temperature drops and moisture
content is
right, micro water droplets will form. The vapor needs
micro-particles
of dust or other solid matter in order to condense out while in the
air.
If small in size, it's fog; if large, rain.
Within a mile of the bottom of the Valley is the interchange of the
Thruway, Rt 287 and Rt 17. They all come together in a heavily used
merge which requires careful attention while driving, even in clear
weather. So far, there have been no major accidents. Imagine what a
heavy fog could do during the morning rush hour commute. A 30, 40
car
pile-up could easily occur. And fog, brought on by the power plant
exhaust gases which contain moisture and solid particulates, could
be
the cause.
"How has your day at the office been going, dear?"
" Never made it. Had a terrible commute. Pick me up at the ER in
Good
Sam Hospital, will ya. And we'll talk about that new car you
wanted."
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