With the aid of diagram describe the types and effects of temperature inversion?

Temperature inversion is a phenomenon where the normal decrease in temperature with increasing altitude is reversed, causing the air near the surface to be cooler than the air above it. This can have significant effects on weather patterns and air quality. There are four main types of temperature inversion:

1. Surface inversion: This occurs when the air near the surface is cooler than the air above it. It is most common on clear, calm nights when the ground loses heat rapidly through radiation. This type of inversion can lead to fog and poor air quality as pollutants are trapped near the surface.

2. Subsidence inversion: This occurs when warm air aloft sinks and displaces cooler air near the surface. It is often associated with high pressure systems and can lead to stable weather conditions and poor air quality.

3. Frontal inversion: This occurs when a warm front moves over a cold air mass, causing the warm air to rise over the cold air. This type of inversion can lead to the formation of clouds and precipitation.

4. Mountain or valley inversion: This occurs when cold air becomes trapped in a valley or basin, with warmer air aloft. This can lead to temperature differences of several degrees between the valley floor and the surrounding mountains, and can result in poor air quality as pollutants are trapped in the valley.

The diagram below illustrates the different types of temperature inversion and their effects:

[Diagram]

Overall, temperature inversions can have a significant impact on weather patterns and air quality, leading to fog, poor visibility, and increased levels of pollutants near the surface. Understanding the different types of temperature inversion can help meteorologists and air quality experts predict and mitigate the effects of these phenomena.

Types of Temperature Inversion

1. Surface-Based Inversion:
- Occurs near the ground surface due to radiative cooling
- Cold air is trapped near the surface by a layer of warmer air above
- Common in calm, clear nights

2. Elevated Inversion:
- Occurs above the surface at a specific altitude
- Warmer air remains trapped above a layer of colder air
- Can be caused by subsidence (downward movement of air) or the descent of cold air from higher altitudes

3. Frontal Inversion:
- Forms at the boundary between two air masses with different temperatures
- Cold air is trapped beneath warmer air
- Common at the boundaries of weather fronts

Effects of Temperature Inversion

- Reduced Air Quality: Traps pollutants near the ground, leading to poor air quality
- Fog Formation: Moisture condensates in the cold air near the surface, creating fog
- Low Cloud Cover: Moisture accumulates above the inversion, forming low clouds
- Smog: In urban areas, inversions can trap pollutants and create smog
- Ice Fog: Can lead to the formation of ice crystals in the air, causing slippery road conditions
- Aerosol Buildup: Trapped aerosols can scatter sunlight and reduce visibility
- Reduced Vertical Mixing: Inhibits the dispersal of pollutants and heat
- Altered Wind Patterns: In some cases, inversions can affect wind direction and speed

Diagram of Surface-Based Inversion:

[Image of a diagram showing a surface-based inversion with cold air near the ground and warmer air above.]

Diagram of Elevated Inversion:

[Image of a diagram showing an elevated inversion with colder air beneath a layer of warmer air at a specific altitude.]