A temperature inversion occurs when the normal atmospheric temperature profile is inverted, meaning that temperature increases with height instead of decreasing as it typically does in the troposphere. This phenomenon often happens close to the ground, particularly during calm, clear nights when the ground cools rapidly by radiating heat into space.
Temperature inversions can have several effects on climate and weather:
1. **Pollution Trapping**: Inversions can trap pollutants close to the ground, leading to poor air quality in urban areas. This is because the cooler air near the surface prevents vertical mixing, allowing pollutants to accumulate.
2. **Fog Formation**: Temperature inversions can enhance the formation of fog and low-level clouds, as the cool, moist air near the ground condenses when it comes into contact with warmer air above.
3. **Temperature Variations**: Inversions can lead to significant temperature variations over short distances. Valleys and low-lying areas are particularly prone to temperature inversions, which can result in cooler temperatures at the bottom of the valley compared to higher elevations.
4. **Weather Stability**: Inversions can create stable atmospheric conditions that inhibit vertical air movement, leading to calm, stagnant weather. This stability can suppress cloud formation and precipitation, resulting in prolonged dry spells.
Overall, temperature inversions play a crucial role in shaping local climate and weather patterns, influencing air quality, fog formation, temperature gradients, and atmospheric stability.
