| Tracking and Predicting the Atmospheric Dispersion of Hazardous Material Releases: Implications for Homeland Security Contributor(s): National Research Council (Author), Division on Earth and Life Studies (Author), Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climat (Author) |
|
 |
ISBN: 0309089263 ISBN-13: 9780309089265 Publisher: National Academies Press OUR PRICE: $35.15 Product Type: Paperback Published: July 2003 Annotation: For many years, communities have prepared themselves to deal with accidental atmospheric releases from industrial sites, energy facilities, and vehicles transporting hazardous materials. Today, these communities must also worry about the terrorist threat of the intentional use of chemical, biological, and nuclear (C/B/N) agents. Because of this threat, the ability to predict and track the dispersal of harmful agents has become a critical element of terrorism planning and response. Our nation's capacity to respond to atmospheric C/B/N events stands, like a three legged stool, on the strength of three interconnected elements: 1) dispersion models that predict the path and spread of the hazardous agent; 2) observations of the hazardous plume itself and of local meteorological conditions, which provide critical input for the models; and 3) interaction with emergency responders who use the information provided by the models. As part of the National Academies continuing focus on issues of homeland security, "Tracking and Predicting the Atmospheric Dispersion of Hazardous Material Releases examines our nation's current capabilities in these three areas and provides recommendations for strengthening them. |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Political Science | Security (national & International) - Political Science | Terrorism - History | Military - Biological & Chemical Warfare |
| Dewey: 363.349 |
| LCCN: 2003107398 |
| Physical Information: 0.32" H x 8.46" W x 10.74" (0.74 lbs) 113 pages |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: For many years, communities have prepared themselves to deal with accidental atmospheric releases from industrial sites, energy facilities, and vehicles transporting hazardous materials. Today, these communities must also worry about the terrorist threat of the intentional use of chemical, biological, and nuclear (C/B/N) agents. Because of this threat, the ability to predict and track the dispersal of harmful agents has become a critical element of terrorism planning and response. Our nation's capacity to respond to atmospheric C/B/N events stands, like a three legged stool, on the strength of three interconnected elements: 1) dispersion models that predict the path and spread of the hazardous agent; 2) observations of the hazardous plume itself and of local meteorological conditions, which provide critical input for the models; and 3) interaction with emergency responders who use the information provided by the models. As part of the National Academies continuing focus on issues of homeland security, Tracking and Predicting the Atmospheric Dispersion of Hazardous Material Releases examines our nation's current capabilities in these three areas and provides recommendations for strengthening them. |