A model of the flow of gas above a bubbling fluidized bed, using the idea of 'ghost bubble' motion, has been worked out. The predictions of the model are compared with data from the literature and satisfactory agreement is found. Measurements of particle splash height and model calculations lead to the development of a criterion for the splash zone height. Suitable equations (the first empirical and the second derived from the model) for determination of the splash zone height are proposed.