THE IMPACT OF THERMAL INVERSION ON THE CONCENTRATION OF PARTICULATE MATTER PM10 IN KROŚCIENKO NAD DUNAJCEM IN 2018-2022

<ns3:p>Krościenko nad Dunajcem is located in the Dunajec River valley and is a typical Carpathian village where thermal inversion often occurs. In addition, during winter, when fossil fuels and wood are used to heat buildings, exposure to particulate matter (PM10) often leads to exceedances of permissible limits. This study attempts to determine the frequency of inversion phenomena on a daily basis in 2018–2022, based on air-temperature gradient measurements between Trzy Korony Pienińskie (982 m above sea level) and the bottom of the Krośnica Stream valley in Krościenko (430 m above sea level). It has been demonstrated that this phenomenon occurs throughout the calendar year, significantly contributing to the lack of pollutant dispersion in the valley. During the heating season, this increases PM10 concentrations in the atmosphere, contributing significantly to poor air quality in Krościenko nad Dunajcem.</ns3:p>