MLchartDataset catalogue

Subsidence inversion

Term · Meteorology and atmospheric science · MLC-T-MET-002678

  1. An atmospheric temperature inversion that forms when a layer of air descends and warms adiabatically, creating a stable layer where temperature increases with height. This inversion acts as a lid, trapping pollutants and moisture below it, often leading to hazy conditions. It is a common feature associated with high-pressure systems.

  2. A temperature inversion that develops aloft as a result of air gradually sinking over a wide area and being warmed by adiabatic compression, usually associated with subtropical high pressure areas.

Table 1. Record
IdentifierMLC-T-MET-002678
FieldMeteorology and atmospheric science
ReferencesNWS Glossary
Record as JSON
{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-002678",
  "term": "Subsidence inversion",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definitions": [
    "An atmospheric temperature inversion that forms when a layer of air descends and warms adiabatically, creating a stable layer where temperature increases with height. This inversion acts as a lid, trapping pollutants and moisture below it, often leading to hazy conditions. It is a common feature associated with high-pressure systems.",
    "A temperature inversion that develops aloft as a result of air gradually sinking over a wide area and being warmed by adiabatic compression, usually associated with subtropical high pressure areas."
  ],
  "references": [
    "NWS Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/subsidence-inversion/"
}

Record 9,282 of 10,816 in Meteorology and atmospheric science terminology (MLC-0110). Request the full dataset.