7.3 Thermal Inversion

Describe thermal inversion and its relationship with pollution.

• During a thermal inversion, the normal temperature gradient in the atmosphere is altered as the air temperature at the Earth’s surface is cooler than the air at higher altitudes.
• Thermal inversion traps pollution close to the ground, especially smog and particulates.
• Enduring understanding STB-2: Human activities have physical, chemical, and biological consequences for the atmosphere.