Temperaturerotationer

Temperaturerotationer, often referred to as temperature inversions, are atmospheric phenomena where a layer of warmer air sits above a layer of colder air. Normally, air temperature decreases with altitude in the troposphere. However, during a temperature inversion, this pattern is reversed.

These inversions can occur under various conditions. They are common at night, especially in clear, calm conditions, when the ground cools rapidly due to radiative heat loss. The air closest to the ground cools more than the air above it, creating an inversion. Valleys and low-lying areas are particularly susceptible to trapping cold air near the surface.

Another type is subsidence inversion, which forms when large areas of air sink. As the air sinks, it compresses and warms, creating a layer of warm air aloft. This is often associated with high-pressure systems.

Temperature inversions have significant meteorological implications. They can trap pollutants and fog near the ground, leading to poor air quality and reduced visibility. The stable atmospheric conditions associated with inversions can also suppress convection, affecting weather patterns and potentially inhibiting the formation of thunderstorms. They can influence the dispersal of heat and moisture within the atmosphere.