Abstract

Atmospheric inversions refer to the phenomenon where the normal vertical temperature distribution in the Earth's atmosphere is reversed, with warmer air above cooler air. This inversion layer acts as a lid, trapping pollutants and limiting their dispersion. Atmospheric inversions have significant implications for air quality, climate, and weather patterns. This abstract provides an overview of atmospheric inversions, including their causes, characteristics, and impacts. It also discusses the role of inversions in the formation and persistence of smog episodes, the effect of inversions on temperature profiles and atmospheric stability, and their influence on the transport and dispersal of air pollutants. Understanding atmospheric inversions is crucial for addressing air pollution issues, predicting weather patterns, and mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.

Atmospheric inversions refer to the phenomenon in which the normal vertical temperature profile of the Earth's atmosphere is inverted, with warmer air located above cooler air. This inversion layer acts as a lid, trapping pollutants and impeding their dispersion. Atmospheric inversions have significant implications for air quality, weather patterns, and climate dynamics, as they can affect the transport and distribution of pollutants, alter radiation balance, and influence the formation of clouds and precipitation. Understanding the causes, characteristics, and impacts of atmospheric inversions is crucial for addressing air pollution, predicting weather phenomena, and mitigating climate change. This paper provides an overview of atmospheric inversions, their causes and effects, and explores current research efforts and potential mitigation strategies.

Keywords: Atmospheric inversions; Temperature inversion; Air pollution; Smog; Atmospheric stability; Air quality; Climate change; Weather patterns