Which of the following statements with reference to Surface inversion of temperature is/are correct?

1. It causes instability in the lower layers of the atmosphere.

2. This inversion commonly lasts for a few hours until the Sun comes up.

Select the answer using the code given below.

The correct answer is 2) 2 only.

Key Points

• Surface inversion of temperature occurs when a layer of cool air gets trapped near the ground under a layer of warmer air, creating a temperature inversion.
• Statement 1 is incorrect because surface inversion of temperature generally causes stability in the lower layers of the atmosphere, not instability.
• Statement 2 is correct as surface inversion commonly lasts for a few hours, typically dissipating after sunrise when the Sun heats the Earth's surface.
• This phenomenon is more frequent during clear, calm winter nights, when radiational cooling leads to the ground becoming cooler than the air above it.
• Surface temperature inversions can lead to the accumulation of pollutants near the ground, causing poor air quality.

Additional Information

• Temperature Inversion:
  • It refers to a reversal of the normal temperature gradient in the atmosphere, where temperature increases with height instead of decreasing.
  • Types of inversions include surface inversion and aloft inversion.
  • Surface inversion is the most common type and occurs near the ground.
• Causes of Surface Inversion:
  • Clear skies and calm winds during nighttime, leading to rapid cooling of the Earth's surface through radiation.
  • High-pressure systems, which suppress vertical air movement.
• Impacts of Surface Inversion:
  • Traps pollutants close to the ground, worsening air quality (e.g., smog formation).
  • Can affect aviation due to reduced visibility near the ground.
• Breaking of Surface Inversion:
  • Occurs when the ground heats up after sunrise, causing the cooler air near the surface to mix with the warmer air above.
  • Wind and cloud cover can also disrupt the inversion.