Final answer:
It is true that temperature inversions trap pollutants near the ground, leading to poor air quality because the normal convection process is disrupted, trapping pollutants in the cooler air beneath a layer of warmer air.
Step-by-step explanation:
Temperature inversions trap pollutants near the surface. This statement is true. A temperature inversion occurs when a layer of cool air is trapped beneath a layer of warmer air, inverting the usual temperature gradient of the atmosphere. This condition can lead to the accumulation and poor dispersion of air pollutants. While convection typically helps to disperse air pollution by distributing air and its contents vertically, during an inversion, convection is suppressed. Pollutants, such as smog, remain close to the ground level, contributing to decreased air quality and visibility. Inversions are particularly problematic in areas surrounded by mountain ranges, like Mexico City, as the pollutants become confined in the valley and cannot easily disperse.The layer of warmer air above the cooler air acts like a lid or cap, preventing the polluted air from rising and mixing with cleaner upper layers of the atmosphere. Ordinarily, warm air near the surface rises since it is less dense, and cooler air comes down to replace it in a natural circulation pattern. However, during an inversion, this pattern is disrupted. Without the natural convection currents to carry them away, pollutants build up near the surface, resulting in poor air quality. This is why certain regulations, such as driving restrictions based on license plate numbers, are implemented to help limit the amount of pollution being added to the already compromised air.Conclusion Therefore, the answer is true temperature inversions do trap pollutants near the surface, creating environmental and health concerns particularly in geographically susceptible regions.