key term - Thermal inversion

Definition

Thermal inversion refers to a weather condition where the normal temperature pattern in the atmosphere is reversed, with warm air being trapped above cooler air near the surface. This can lead to the accumulation of pollutants and smog in lower layers of the atmosphere.

Related terms

Temperature inversion: A phenomenon where temperature increases with altitude instead of decreasing as it normally does in the troposphere.

Smog:

A type of air pollution that occurs when pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds react with sunlight.

Inversion layer: The layer of warm air that forms during a thermal inversion and prevents vertical mixing of pollutants.