What is a characteristic of a temperature inversion?

A temperature inversion is characterized by an increase in temperature with altitude, which is contrary to the normal atmospheric conditions where temperature usually decreases with height. During an inversion, a layer of warmer air sits on top of cooler air at the surface. This phenomenon can trap pollutants close to the ground, as the stable, warmer air acts like a cap preventing vertical mixing. This can lead to poor air quality and fog conditions at lower altitudes.

Understanding temperature inversion is important for pilots and meteorologists as it affects aerodynamics, local weather patterns, and visibility. Temperature inversions often occur in valleys on clear nights when the ground loses heat rapidly, causing the air closest to the surface to cool while the layers above remain warmer.