What is the main consequence of a temperature inversion?

A temperature inversion occurs when a layer of warm air traps cooler air near the surface of the Earth. This phenomenon has significant implications for air quality and pollution. The cooler air below the inversion layer cannot rise, which means that any pollutants emitted from the ground—such as emissions from vehicles, factories, or other sources—become trapped. As a result, the concentration of these pollutants increases, potentially leading to poor air quality and associated health risks for the population.

In contrast, increased precipitation does not directly result from a temperature inversion. While inversions can influence local weather patterns, their primary effect is the stabilization of the atmosphere, which can inhibit cloud formation and precipitation. Enhanced ultraviolet radiation is unrelated to inversions; UV intensity is typically influenced more by factors such as the atmosphere's ozone level than temperature layers. Increased wind speed is also not a consequence of a temperature inversion; rather, inversions tend to create stable conditions that reduce turbulence and wind development near the surface.

Thus, the key consequence of a temperature inversion is the trapping of pollutants, making air quality a significant concern in affected areas.