What is a thermal inversion?
A layer of warm air trapped above a layer of cooler air.
Define VOCs.
Volatile Organic Compounds, pollutants from car exhaust.
What is smog?
Air pollution caused by trapped pollutants during thermal inversion.
Define particulate matter.
Microscopic solid or liquid matter suspended in the air.
What is hoarfrost?
A deposit of ice crystals formed on objects exposed to the air.
How does topography affect thermal inversions?
Valleys and mountains block wind, trapping air and pollutants.
Why are thermal inversions worse in winter?
Ground cools faster than air, creating cooler air near the surface.
What role do high-pressure systems play?
Can cause air to sink and warm, creating an inversion.
How do thermal inversions affect air quality?
They trap pollutants, leading to poor air quality and smog.
What's the relationship between thermal inversion and pollution?
Thermal inversion traps existing pollutants, worsening air quality.
What is the 'lid' effect in thermal inversions?
Warm air acts like a lid, trapping pollutants near the surface.
What is the normal atmospheric condition?
Air gets colder as you go higher in the atmosphere.
How does solar radiation increase during thermal inversions?
Clear skies (no clouds) allow for increased solar radiation.
Cause: Car exhaust. Effect?
Trapped pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides.
Cause: Industrial emissions. Effect?
Trapped smoke and chemicals, worsening air quality.
Cause: Wildfires. Effect?
Trapped smoke and particulate matter, causing respiratory issues.
Cause: Thermal inversion. Effect?
Poor air quality, respiratory problems, and heart disease.
Cause: Prolonged exposure to trapped pollutants. Effect?
Severe health impacts, including respiratory and heart problems.
Cause: Construction. Effect?
Trapped dust and particulate matter.
