Temperature InversionsAn upside-down situation

The Normal Situation

Temperature InversionsThese are when the normal situations are reversed ie when warmer air overlies colder air.This can be at low level

Temperature InversionsThese are when the normal situations are reversed ie when warmer air overlies colder air.This can be at low level or at high level

Temperature InversionsThere is a natural inversion in our atmosphere as the stratosphere is the layer that absorbs most of the ultraviolet radiation (high level)

Temperature InversionsHigh level inversions are also found in depressions, when the warm sector overlies the cold sector (occlusion)

Temperature InversionsLow level or ground inversions occur in anticyclonic conditions when there is a rapid loss of energy at night.The air near the surface is cooled by conduction of heat to the cold ground. The lower layer is therefore colder than the air above it.

Temperature InversionsLow level or ground inversions occur in anticyclonic conditions when there is a rapid loss of energy at night.The air near the surface is cooled by conduction of heat to the cold ground. The lower layer is therefore colder than the air above it.

Temperature InversionsA classic inversion is where the hot emissions given off by industrial chimneys trap in the colder air below