Inversion (meteorology)
Deviation from the normal change of an atmospheric property with altitude
Summary
In meteorology, an inversion is a phenomenon in which a layer of warmer air overlies cooler air. Normally, air temperature gradually decreases as altitude increases, but this relationship is reversed in an inversion.
Originally created by 217.216.59.165
5/16/2002, 4:30:19 AM
Modified
5/19/2026, 9:17:12 AM
Recent revisions
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This further explains how temperature inversions, by inhibiting vertical mixing between the near-surface and overlying air, make it easier for pollutants to accumulate near the surface.
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Added a brief mention of Fairbanks, Alaska, which experiences notable inversions frequently throughout the winter, especially this past December/early January.
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[[Wikipedia:OABOT|Open access bot]]: url-access updated in citation with #oabot.
v2.05b - [[User:WikiCleanerBot#T5|Bot T5 CW#2]] - Fix errors for [[WP:WCW|CW project]] (Tag with incorrect syntax)
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issue [[Talk:Inversion_(meteorology)#intro_not_at_level_of_encylopedia]] appears to have been addressed
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