Dear Tom,
How do you explain the phenomenon of “fresh mountain air”? There seems to be something invigorating about it.
Pierce Griggs, Chicago
Dear Pierce,
Two Colorado scientists with whom we discussed your question have interesting takes on the answer. Mark Losleben, director of Colorado’s Mountain Research Lab, suggests the cool temperature of high elevation air contributes. Many of us step up physical activity in cool environments to boost metabolism and stay warm. This may enhance a feeling of well being. The pleasing scent of mountain air–especially in the growing season when pine and fir trees are joined by wildflowers–contribute to what amounts to a natural form of aromatherapy.
Dr. Jim Butler of NOAA’s Climate Monitoring and Diagnostics Lab thinks the fact the air at higher elevations is better mixed is a big factor. Pollutants become trapped over cities in the lowest several hundred to 1,500 feet–an atmospheric region known as the boundary layer. Pollution-dispersing vertical air movement there can be inhibited by temperature inversions and light winds. Neither condition is common in the mountains, which reduces pollution concentrations there.
———-
Tom Skilling is chief meteorologist at WGN-TV. His weather forecasts can be seen Monday through Friday on WGN News at noon and 9 p.m.
Send your questions to:
ASK TOM WHY, 2501 Bradley Place, Chicago, Il. 60618
e-mail: asktomwhy@@tribune.com
