Temperature inversions occur naturally in the stratosphere and thermosphere, but also occur closer to the surface of earth in the troposphere. When there is a temperature inversion near the surface of earth, pollution can be trapped and air quality can diminish substantially. Explain the differences between normal air circulation and how the air behaves when a temperature inversion occurs.

Normal Air Circulation:

In the troposphere, which is the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere, normal air circulation is characterized by the following:

1.Temperature Decrease with Altitude: Generally, the temperature decreases with altitude. As you go higher in the troposphere, the air tends to become cooler.

2.Convection Currents: The Sun's energy heats the Earth's surface, and this warmth is transferred to the air. Warm air near the surface tends to rise, creating convection currents. As air rises, it cools, and then descends again. This process results in the normal vertical mixing of air, known as convection.

3.Dispersion of Pollutants: During normal air circulation, pollutants released near the surface can disperse vertically and horizontally due to the mixing caused by convection currents. This dispersion helps prevent the accumulation of pollutants in one specific area.

Temperature Inversion:

A temperature inversion is a deviation from the normal decrease in temperature with altitude. Instead, the temperature increases with height during an inversion. This phenomenon can occur when a layer of warm air traps cooler air near the surface. Inversions can be caused by various factors, such as radiational cooling at night, subsidence (sinking) of air, or the presence of warm air masses.

Effects of Temperature Inversion:

1.Pollution Trapping: During a temperature inversion, the normal vertical mixing of air is suppressed. Instead of rising, the air near the surface is trapped beneath the warm layer aloft. This traps pollutants close to the ground, preventing their dispersion and leading to an accumulation of pollutants in the lower atmosphere.

2.Reduced Dispersion: The lack of vertical mixing means that pollutants released at the surface have limited upward movement, reducing the dispersion of pollutants into the higher atmosphere.

3.Diminished Air Quality: The trapped pollutants can lead to a substantial decrease in air quality. This phenomenon is often associated with smog formation in urban areas.

4.Health Impacts: Poor air quality resulting from temperature inversions can have adverse health effects, particularly for individuals with respiratory conditions.

In summary, normal air circulation involves vertical mixing of air, promoting the dispersion of pollutants. In contrast, during a temperature inversion, a layer of warm air traps cooler air near the surface, preventing the vertical mixing of air and leading to the accumulation of pollutants, which can substantially diminish air quality.