plumes

A plume is a visible or invisible flow of particles or gases moving through the air or water, often carrying pollution, smoke, or other substances from a source. For example, smoke from a chimney creates a plume rising into the sky, spreading out as it moves away from the source. Plumes are shaped by factors like wind, temperature, and the nature of the substance released. In environmental science, studying plumes helps understand how pollutants disperse, which is crucial for assessing air quality and environmental impact.