When there is a temperature inversion in the atmosphere, you would expect to experience which of the following conditions?

• A. Cooler air near the ground trapped beneath a layer of warmer air
• B. Warmer air near the ground rising rapidly into the upper atmosphere
• C. Uniform temperature with no significant vertical temperature gradient
• D. Increased mixing and turbulence throughout the atmosphere

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand what a temperature inversion is: Normally, air temperature decreases with altitude, but during a temperature inversion, a layer of warmer air sits above cooler air near the ground.
2. Recognize the effect of this inversion on air movement: Since warm air is less dense and tends to rise, having warmer air above cooler air creates a stable layer that suppresses vertical mixing.
3. Analyze the consequences near the ground: Cooler air becomes trapped beneath the warmer layer, preventing it from rising and often leading to cooler temperatures at the surface.
4. Consider the impact on atmospheric conditions: The stable layer reduces turbulence and mixing, which can trap pollutants and cause fog or smog near the ground.
5. Conclude that the expected condition during a temperature inversion is cooler air near the ground trapped beneath a layer of warmer air, rather than warm air rising or uniform temperature.