Final answer:
A temperature inversion is characterized by warm air lying over cooler air, stable atmospheric conditions, an inversion layer that traps pollutants, decreased visibility, and possibly increased humidity near the surface.
Step-by-step explanation:
Characteristics associated with a temperature inversion include:
- Warm air above cooler air: This reverses the usual temperature profile, with warmer air lying over the cooler air near the surface.
- Stable atmospheric conditions: The inversion layer tends to suppress vertical air movement, which leads to stability in the atmosphere.
- Inversion layer traps pollutants: Cooler air beneath the inversion layer is denser and traps pollutants, leading to poor air quality and potential health hazards.
- Decreased visibility: The concentration of pollutants can reduce visibility, resulting in hazier conditions.
- Increased humidity: Humidity might increase near the surface because the inversion layer can lead to condensation of water vapor as the trapped air cools.
Temperature inversions usually occur in the troposphere, which is the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere. The inversion layer can have significant impacts on weather patterns and air quality.