Temperature Inversion

Temperature Inversion

It refers to the condition where the cool layer of air is overridden by the warm layer of air above. Also,
it is the contradictory situation of the normal situation. A temperature inversion is a natural
phenomenon.
There are certain ideal conditions for temperature inversion that include stable and calm air, clear
skies and long nights are the factors that give rise to temperature inversion.

Types of Temperature Inversion

1. Frontal temperature inversion- This happens when the warm and cold fronts meet, Then the warm
front rise up and being heavier the cold front sinks down.

2. Vertical advection- It happens at valleys as there the air gets heated and rises resulting in colder air
from the above to sink to the bottom like a slope then a temperature inversion form.

Moreover, valley inversion happens in the mountain valleys due to the vertical movement of air and
radiation. Besides, we refer it as the vertical advection inversion of temperature.

3. Radiation Inversion- At day time the sun heats the earth surface and air near it. In addition, at night,
the ground air near it cool down faster than the air present high up, creating a temperature inversion.

4. Subsidence Inversion- This inversion also relates to anti-cyclones. Moreover, this kind of inversion
results when the upper layer of air moves down during an initial anti-cyclone.

Indicators of a Temperature Inversion

Clear skies overnight (no clouds)

Calm (wind < 3 mph)
Closer to sunrise or sunset.
Dew present.
Horizontal smoke patterns.
Dust hanging over a road.
Ground fog in low-lying areas.

What will happen if temperature inversion occurs?

Normally, air temperature decreases with an increase in altitude. During an inversion, warmer air is
held above cooler air; the normal temperature profile with altitude is inverted. An inversion traps air
pollution, such as smog, close to the ground. An inversion can also suppress convection by acting as a
"cap".

Why is temperature inversion dangerous?

One of the most harmful effects of inversions is that they trap the pollution close to the ground,
trapping the smog. When there is a temperature inversion, the affect is just the opposite. If the
inversion is strong enough, it can cause far off objects to look like they are floating above the ground.

Effects of Temperature Inversion

 Diurnal variations
 Agriculture productivity
 Thunderstorm
 Air pollutions