Surface inversion
Term · Meteorology and atmospheric science · MLC-T-MET-009438
An atmospheric condition where temperature increases with height immediately above the Earth's surface, rather than decreasing as is typical. This stable layer often forms on clear, calm nights due to radiative cooling of the ground. Surface inversions trap pollutants near the ground and can lead to fog formation, dissipating as the sun warms the surface.
| Identifier | MLC-T-MET-009438 |
|---|---|
| Field | Meteorology and atmospheric science |
| Synonyms | ground inversion |
Record as JSON
{
"id": "MLC-T-MET-009438",
"term": "Surface inversion",
"field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
"definition": "An atmospheric condition where temperature increases with height immediately above the Earth's surface, rather than decreasing as is typical. This stable layer often forms on clear, calm nights due to radiative cooling of the ground. Surface inversions trap pollutants near the ground and can lead to fog formation, dissipating as the sun warms the surface.",
"synonyms": [
"ground inversion"
],
"url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/surface-inversion/"
}
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