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What is a temperature inversion?

Quick Answer

A temperature inversion happens when warm air sits above cooler air near the ground. This is the opposite of the usual pattern and can trap pollution and fog.

The Full Story

Normally, air gets cooler with height, which helps mix the atmosphere. In a temperature inversion, that pattern flips, creating a stable layer that prevents vertical mixing. Inversions often form on clear, calm nights when the ground loses heat quickly, or when warm air slides over cooler air. They are common in valleys and can lead to smog episodes in cities such as Los Angeles and Salt Lake City.

Key Facts

1.Inversions trap air near the surface
2.They often form at night or in valleys
3.They can worsen smog and reduce visibility

YouTube Angle

Suggested video title for this topic:

"The weather pattern that can turn the sky into a pollution lid."

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