APES TOPIC 7.3 THERMAL INVERSION

UNDER NORMAL SITUATIONS

AIR TEMPERATURE DROPS AS ALTITUDE INCREASES

A THERMAL INVERSION OCCURS WHEN

A COOL LAYER OF AIR IS
TRAPPED UNDERNEATH A LAYER
OF WARM AIR

CAUSES OF A THERMAL INVERSION

Inversions occur because the ground cools quicker than the air above • In clear skies and light winds • Can be exacerbated by topography

Inversions occur because

the ground cools quicker than the air above

TRAPPING AIR \n POLLUTION

Warm air layer traps \n pollutants \n •Smog \n •Particulate Matter \n •Smoke