What types of weather conditions help to carry pollutants away?

Question

I know an obvious one is wind. But are there any other ones? We're learning about 'air masses' and I think that they have to do something with the question but I'm very confused... thanks! :]

Answer 1

the important thing is about the atmosphere.. we need an instability of atmosphere to keep pollutants away..

if the atmosphere become unstable lots of weather process could happen such as the formation of cloud and precipitation.

unstable atmosphere will give an upward force to the pollutants so it will keep rise until the condensation level.

Answer 2

a really good down pour will clean the pollutants out of the air

Answer 3

hi, :)

you are correct: wind does help carry pollutants away.. but other weather conditions that help are:

Rainy Days.. the water literally gives the air a bath.  it cleanses the pollution and dirt particles away.

Cooler Temperatures.. you've probablly noticed that on hot days "smog" is common especially if it's not windy.  

Cloudy days.. the sun kind of "feeds" the pollution in the air, so when it's cloudy it helps level out the air.

I hope this helped.. I haven't studied much meteorology but my father use to want to be a meteorologist (before going to medical school) so he once took meteorology for a short time.  he's taught me much!!  :)

warmest regards..