What term describes an irregularly shaped pattern of an airborne hazardous material influenced by wind and topography?

The term that describes an irregularly shaped pattern of airborne hazardous material influenced by wind and topography is "plume." A plume represents the visible or detectable spread of a hazardous substance as it moves through the atmosphere, shaped by environmental factors such as wind speed and direction, as well as physical features like hills or buildings.

Understanding the dynamics of a plume is vital in hazardous material operations for several reasons. It allows first responders to predict how the material will travel and where it may settle, which is crucial for ensuring safety and planning effective response strategies. Factors like turbulence and terrain can significantly affect a plume's dispersion, leading to unpredictable movement, thereby influencing decision-making during an incident.