What do you understand by the phenomenon of temperature inversion in meteorology?How does it affect the weather and the habitats of the place? [100 Words] [5 Marks] [2013]

  • Definition:
    • A phenomenon where temperature increases with altitude, contrary to the normal lapse rate.
  • Causes:
    • Clear skies, calm winds, long nights, rapid terrestrial radiation (e.g., valleys, winter nights).
  • Types:
    • Radiation inversion, subsidence inversion, frontal inversion.
  • Weather Effects:
    • Suppresses vertical air mixing
    • Traps pollutants → smog formation (e.g., Delhi, Los Angeles)
    • Frost in valleys → crop damage
  • Habitat Impact:
    • Poor air quality → respiratory issues
    • Alters vegetation zones in valleys
    • Limits cloud formation → dry, cold nights