Temperature inversion is a meteorological phenomenon characterized by the reversal of the normal decrease of temperature with altitude in the atmosphere. Typically, warm air lies above cooler air, trapping pollutants and moisture close to the surface. This inversion layer inhibits vertical air movement, leading to the formation of fog, smog, and poor air quality. In addition, temperature inversions can exacerbate weather conditions such as cold air outbreaks and freezing rain events. Consequently, they pose significant challenges to inhabitants, causing respiratory issues due to pollution buildup and creating hazardous driving conditions, impacting daily life and economic activities.
Tags: Salient features of world physical geography.
Decoding the Question:
- In Introduction, try to define temperature inversion.
- In Body, discuss the role played by temperature inversion.
- Conclude the answer by showing the impact and significance of the phenomena.
Answer:
Temperature inversion is a reversal of the normal behaviour of temperature in the troposphere (the region of the atmosphere nearest Earth’s surface), in which a layer of cool air at the surface is overlain by a layer of warmer air. (Under normal conditions air temperature usually decreases with height). It is also termed as thermal inversion.
Conditions for Temperature Inversion:
- Stable air flow, as it would prevent the vertical mixing of air at the low levels.
- Open and clear sky, as it would stimulate the continuous evaporation of the radiation.
- Longer nights, as this would help in limiting the incoming radiation and would allow more time for the radiation received in the daytime to emit.
- Dry air on the ground level so that it can absorb the heat radiated.
Effect of Temperature Inversion in the Weather and the Habitants:
- Air pollutants like dust, smoke, etc., are limited as temperature inversion restricts the upward movement of the air.
- It plays a significant role in regulating the formation of clouds, precipitation levels, and visibility.
- Prevents rain fall or shower as the upward convection cloud movement is restricted resulting in agony of the agricultural sector.
- Diurnal variations are affected due to these phenomena, and it tends to be very small.
Due to the occurrence in the lower atmosphere, the phenomena of temperature inversion play a vital role in dictating the climatic conditions and on the habitat of the area under its influence.
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