American Meteorological Society Certification (AMS) Practice

Atmospheric inversion refers to a situation where a layer of warmer air develops above a layer of cooler air near the Earth's surface. This creates a temperature gradient that is opposite to the usual decrease in temperature with altitude. Under normal atmospheric conditions, temperature drops with height, allowing for vertical mixing of air. However, during an inversion, the warmer air acts as a lid, trapping the cooler, denser air beneath it. This can lead to a buildup of pollutants and fog in the lower layer, as the stable conditions inhibit mixing.

This phenomenon is important in meteorology as it can significantly affect weather conditions, air quality, and the formation of pollution. It is often observed during the night and early morning, especially in valleys or areas where radiational cooling occurs. Understanding atmospheric inversions is crucial for weather forecasting and environmental science because they can influence local climate patterns and weather events.