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Temperature inversion
This diagram of a temperature inversion illustrates the way in which a layer of warm air traps a layer of cool air, and with it pollution, close to the ground. Without this inversion layer pollution would be able to rise into the atmosphere and disperse.
During a temperature inversion the cold layer closest to the ground is caused by cold dense air sinking down surrounding hills underneath the less dense warm air.
Rights: The University of Waikato Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato
Published: 18 June 2008Updated: 1 April 2025Size: 310.24 KB
