Rookwolk

Rookwolk is a Dutch term used to describe a visible plume of smoke produced by combustion. The word combines rook, meaning smoke, with wolk, meaning cloud. In meteorology and fire science, rookwolk refers to the rising mass of smoke emitted by fires, which can vary in height, density, and duration.

Use and context: The term appears in Dutch-language reporting on wildfires, agricultural burns, and industrial incidents, as well as in atmospheric science discussions of smoke transport and air quality. It is used to distinguish smoke plumes from natural cloud formations and other atmospheric features.

Appearance and behavior: A rookwolk is typically dark gray to black, sometimes tinted by the color of the burning material. Its shape and vertical extent are governed by buoyancy, wind speed, and atmospheric stability. Under strong convection or wind shear, the plume can rise to high altitudes, enabling the transport of smoke and aerosols over long distances. The presence of a rookwolk can reduce ground-level visibility and degrade air quality in the surrounding area.

Monitoring and impact: Roakwolken can be detected visually, by ground-based observers, and through satellite sensors such as MODIS and VIIRS. Air quality indices may spike in areas affected by a rookwolk, prompting health advisories and mobility restrictions. Mitigation measures typically focus on reducing emissions, restricting burn operations, and issuing timely warnings to vulnerable populations.

See also: Smoke plume, Wildfire, Air quality, Remote sensing.