GGS Whitepaper & Calculator Tool: Worst case atmospheric pressure conditions

GGS Whitepaper & Calculator Tool: Calculating worst case atmospheric pressure conditions

In May, Andrew Brunton from GGS led a webinar exploring research into the effects of atmospheric pressure. This built on Andrew’s last whitepaper. Much of the webinar explored the latest research and how you may adopt a simplified approach when calculating worst-case thresholds for atmospheric pressure. To assist in the process, Andrew and GGS have built a calculator to simplify the calculation process.

Here you can download a copy of the analysis tool and an updated companion whitepaper to use for you own site reports. Just simply fill in the form below and download the zip file to access it.

Quote from the author, Andrew Brunton, Associate Technical Director at GGS:

“It has long been recognised that a ground gas monitoring programme should capture periods of low and falling atmospheric pressure, as these conditions typically coincide when emission rates are at their highest. Specifically, it is often the rate of falling pressure that exerts the greatest influence on the ground gas regime. This technical paper provides robust statistical thresholds to use for worst-case prediction in risk assessment.

Building on the White Paper released last year, the analysis has been extended to include a spatially distributed dataset of locations across the UK over the most recent climate normal period (1991-2020). Using interpolation techniques, we have also developed a threshold calculator tool that ensures thresholds are relevant to both the specific UK location and the time of year when ground gas monitoring is undertaken. This refinement provides the risk assessor with a site-relevant method of determining whether the rate of falling pressure is likely to be representative of worst-case conditions. This approach supports informed decision-making and reduces uncertainty in ground gas risk assessments.

At GGS, we recognise the importance of knowledge transfer, which underpins our approach to develop guidance, resources, and training. We trust you will find the latest addition useful. As always, please feel free to share any queries, comments, or feedback.”