TeXes Science Practice Test

What phenomenon occurs when the air near the ground is colder than the air above it on a cold night?

1. A Temperature Increase

2. A Temperature Inversion

3. A Weather Front

4. A Wind Shear

The correct answer is: A Temperature Inversion

A temperature inversion occurs when the normal temperature gradient in the atmosphere is reversed. Under typical conditions, air temperature decreases with altitude; however, during a cold night, the ground cools more rapidly than the air above it. As a result, cold air becomes trapped near the surface while warmer air overlays it. This situation can lead to various atmospheric phenomena, such as reduced visibility and the trapping of pollutants near the ground. In contrast, a temperature increase would indicate a normal or expected condition where air warms up with elevation, which does not describe the scenario. A weather front refers to the transition area between two different air masses, which is not specifically about the temperature gradient near the ground. Wind shear involves changes in wind speed or direction with altitude, which is unrelated to the temperature profile described in the question. The characteristics of temperature inversion are critical in understanding local weather patterns and air quality issues.