What is the effect called when hot air and smoke collect near the ceiling of a room?

The term "thermal layering" refers specifically to the phenomenon where hot air and smoke rise and accumulate near the ceiling of a room. This occurs due to the properties of hot air, which is less dense than cooler air, causing it to rise. As a result, during a fire, the heat and smoke produced will accumulate at higher levels, forming layers based on temperature differences.

Understanding thermal layering is essential for fire safety and prevention, as it can significantly affect the movement of smoke and heat, which in turn influences smoke management practices and evacuation procedures. Proper knowledge of this effect helps firefighters and fire inspectors develop effective strategies for combating fires and ensuring the safety of building occupants.

While the other terms may describe related phenomena, they do not specifically capture the process of hot air and smoke gathering at the ceiling level as accurately as thermal layering does.