SUMMARY
Mixing height observations were recorded in Nagothane village of Raigad district of Western India by using minisonde technique in winter season (December 2003-February 2004) at an interval of 3 hours so as to have a clear idea of diurnal variation of mixing heights. The results depicts that maximum mixing height from the study area was 903 m above ground level in afternoon (2.30 pm), while diurnal variation indicated ground based inversions up to a height of about 500 m above ground level, that is nil mixing height during late night (11.30 pm and 2.30 am) and early morning (5.30 am) hours. The diurnal variation of mixing height was in accordance with incoming solar radiation, as the day progresses so the mixing height and vice versa. The maximum mixing height of 903 m above ground level indicated the volume available for dilution, dispersion and transportation of air pollutants in the troposphere which are being emitted by anthropogenic and industrial activities, thus reducing the chances of air pollution episodes in the study area. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v3i2.10643 International Journal of the Environment Vol.3(2) 2014: 302-310