gen-define-temperature-inversions-and-give-one-short-worked-exam-ab9f

Define temperature inversions and give one short worked example.

# Temperature Inversions ## Definition A **temperature inversion** is an atmospheric condition where temperature *increases* with altitude, contrary to the normal pattern where temperature *decreases* with height. This creates a layer of warm air above cooler air, which acts as a "lid" that traps air pollution and prevents vertical mixing. ## Worked Example **Scenario:** Morning temperature profile in a valley | Altitude | Temperature | |----------|-------------| | Surface (0 m) | 2°C | | 100 m | 1°C | | 200 m | 4°C | | 300 m | 7°C | **Analysis:** - From 0-100 m: Temperature decreases normally (2°C → 1°C) - From 100-300 m: Temperature *increases* with height (1°C → 7°C) - **Inversion exists** between 100-300 m **Consequence:** The warm air layer (100-300 m) prevents cooler surface air from rising. Any smoke from a factory chimney at ground level would be trapped below 100 m, causing poor air quality in the valley until the sun heats the ground enough to break the inversion. **Common causes:** Nighttime radiative cooling of the surface, or warm air mass moving over a cooler surface.