What type of smoke movement is characterized by smoke that floats out of openings and rises slowly?

The type of smoke movement characterized by smoke that floats out of openings and rises slowly is known as volume-pushed smoke. This phenomenon occurs when smoke is generated within a space and rises due to its temperature, which is typically higher than that of the surrounding air. The resulting difference in density causes the smoke to naturally ascend and disperse, often creating a layered effect where smoke accumulates towards the upper portions of the area.

Volume-pushed smoke typically arises in situations without significant external forces, such as wind, pushing the smoke away. Instead, the movement is primarily driven by the buoyancy of the smoke itself. Understanding this behavior is crucial for firefighters and safety personnel, as it can influence fire dynamics, visibility, and the overall atmospheric conditions within a structure during a fire incident.