Types of Temperature Inversion with Simple Explanation & Examples
Temperature inversion occurs when the normal pattern of temperature decrease with altitude is reversed, meaning warm air sits above cooler air. This creates stable atmospheric conditions. Below are the main types of temperature inversion with easy explanations and examples.
1. Temperature Inversion in Intermontane Valleys (Air Drainage Type of Inversion)
✅ Explanation:
- In mountainous regions, during the night, the upper slopes lose heat rapidly and cool down.
- Cold air is denser and heavier, so it sinks down into the valley, pushing warmer air upwards.
- As a result, the valley floor becomes much colder than the slopes.
- This is common in high-altitude areas and deep valleys.
✅ Example:
- In the Himalayan valleys, the valley floors experience very cold temperatures at night, while the upper slopes remain relatively warmer.
- Farmers in valleys like Kashmir or Switzerland notice frost in the morning, even when higher slopes are warmer.
2. Ground Inversion (Surface Temperature Inversion)
✅ Explanation:
- On clear nights, the Earth's surface loses heat quickly.
- The air in direct contact with the ground also cools down faster than the air above.
- If the air temperature drops below the dew point, fog or frost may form.
- This type of inversion occurs commonly in colder regions.
✅ Example:
- Early morning fog in North India (Delhi, Punjab, Haryana) during winter is due to ground inversion.
- Frost in Europe and Canada is also caused by this inversion.
3. Subsidence Inversion (Upper Surface Temperature Inversion)
✅ Explanation:
- This happens when a large air mass slowly sinks due to high atmospheric pressure.
- As the air sinks, it is compressed and warmed, forming a warm layer above cooler air.
- This type of inversion usually happens in regions under high-pressure systems.
✅ Example:
- Desert regions like the Sahara experience subsidence inversion, preventing cloud formation and leading to dry conditions.
- California (Los Angeles Smog) is worsened by this type of inversion because pollutants get trapped under the warm air.
4. Frontal Inversion (Advectional Type of Temperature Inversion)
✅ Explanation:
- This occurs when a cold air mass moves under a warm air mass, forcing it upwards.
- The interface between the two layers is sloped.
- Often leads to cloud formation, fog, and rainfall due to high humidity.
- This inversion is temporary and changes with weather patterns.
✅ Example:
- Cyclones and Storms: When warm tropical air meets cold polar air, forming an inversion layer.
- Fog and rain in coastal areas like London and New York due to cold and warm air interactions.
Conclusion:
Temperature inversion plays a crucial role in weather patterns, agriculture, and even pollution levels. Understanding these types helps in predicting fog, frost, and even smog conditions in cities.