Temperature Inversion: The Reason Fog and Smog Get Trapped
• Temperature inversions trap cooler air and pollutants near the ground, worsening air quality.
• Common in late fall and winter mornings, temperature inversions cause fog and smog, especially in valleys.
• Sunlight usually breaks down inversions, but they can persist, impacting health and visibility.
Warm air traps cool air near ground
A temperature inversion occurs when a layer of warm air settles above a layer of cooler air near the ground, effectively trapping the cooler air below. This is the opposite of the normal atmospheric condition, where warm air rises. The inversion acts like a lid, preventing vertical mixing of the air. This can lead to a buildup of pollutants, fog, and smog near the surface, especially in valleys and urban areas.
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