Temperature Inversion

A temperature inversion is an atmospheric condition where the temperature of the air increases with altitude, contrary to the normal standard lapse rate where temperature decreases with height. This creates a highly stable layer of air that restricts vertical atmospheric mixing.

Key Points

• •A temperature inversion signifies a very stable atmospheric layer with little or no vertical air movement.
• •Often associated with poor low-level visibility due to trapped dust, smoke, or radiation fog beneath the inversion.
• •Can produce sudden wind shear when an aircraft climbs or descends through the inversion layer.

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