How does temperature inversion occur?

Temperature inversion occurs when a layer of warm air traps cooler air near the ground, effectively preventing vertical mixing in the atmosphere. This situation typically arises during night-time or early morning conditions, especially in areas where the ground cools rapidly after sunset. The warmer air acts as a lid over the cooler air mass at the surface, stabilizing the atmosphere.

This trapping effect leads to several meteorological phenomena, such as fog formation and the buildup of pollutants near the ground, as the cool air is unable to rise and disperse. The inversion can influence local weather patterns and is significant for aviation, as it can create situations that affect visibility and aircraft performance.

Understanding this concept is important for weather forecasting and for pilots, as it relates to how air movement is impacted by temperature changes in the atmosphere.