A temperature inversion would most likely result in which weather condition?

A temperature inversion would most likely result in which weather condition?

• A. An increase in temperature as altitude is increased
• B. Clouds with extensive vertical development above an inversion aloft
• C. Good visibility in the lower levels of the atmospheric and poor visibility above an inversion aloft
• D. Rapid clearing and excellent visibility

Answer: (A)

Temperature inversions occur when the air near the surface is cooler than the air above, so temperature actually increases with height rather than decreases. This creates a stable layer that resists vertical motion, which means air and anything it carries (moisture, pollutants) gets trapped near the ground. As a result, you commonly get fog or low stratus and poorer surface visibility, rather than tall, developing clouds or rapid clearing. The defining feature—temperature rising with altitude—is the best match for what an inversion implies in practical weather terms. The other statements describe conditions that are unlikely when a stable inversion is present: inversions cap vertical development, don’t normally produce good surface visibility, and don’t typically clear rapidly while the inversion persists.

Temperature inversions occur when the air near the surface is cooler than the air above, so temperature actually increases with height rather than decreases. This creates a stable layer that resists vertical motion, which means air and anything it carries (moisture, pollutants) gets trapped near the ground. As a result, you commonly get fog or low stratus and poorer surface visibility, rather than tall, developing clouds or rapid clearing. The defining feature—temperature rising with altitude—is the best match for what an inversion implies in practical weather terms. The other statements describe conditions that are unlikely when a stable inversion is present: inversions cap vertical development, don’t normally produce good surface visibility, and don’t typically clear rapidly while the inversion persists.