The correct answer is: A. Air temperature increases with increasing height.
A temperature inversion is a condition in the atmosphere where the temperature increases with increasing height. This is opposite to the normal condition, where the temperature decreases with increasing height. Temperature inversions can occur in both the troposphere and the stratosphere.
In the troposphere, temperature inversions are most common in the winter and at night. They can also occur in the summer, but they are less common. Temperature inversions in the troposphere are caused by a number of factors, including:
- Radiation cooling: At night, the Earth’s surface cools by radiating heat into space. This cooling causes the air near the surface to cool as well. If the air near the surface is cooler than the air above it, a temperature inversion can form.
- Subsidence: Subsidence is a process in which air sinks from the upper atmosphere to the lower atmosphere. As the air sinks, it warms. If the air sinks enough, it can warm to a temperature that is higher than the air above it. This can cause a temperature inversion to form.
- Advection: Advection is the process in which air moves horizontally from one place to another. If warm air moves over a cold surface, the warm air can cool and form a temperature inversion.
In the stratosphere, temperature inversions are caused by the ozone layer. The ozone layer absorbs ultraviolet radiation from the sun. This absorption of energy causes the ozone layer to warm. The warm ozone layer then heats the air above it. This heating can cause a temperature inversion to form.
Temperature inversions can have a number of effects on the environment. They can trap pollutants near the surface, which can cause air quality problems. They can also make it difficult for clouds to form, which can lead to droughts. Temperature inversions can also make it difficult for aircraft to fly, as the inversion can create a layer of smooth air that can cause the aircraft to lose lift.
Here is a brief explanation of each option:
- Air temperature increases with increasing height: This is the definition of a temperature inversion.
- Air temperature decreases with increasing height: This is the normal condition in the atmosphere.
- Air temperature remains constant with increasing height: This is not possible, as the air would have to be at the same temperature at all heights.
- It is warmer at night than during the day: This is not true in general. The Earth’s surface is warmer during the day than at night, and this warmth is transferred to the air. This causes the air to be warmer during the day than at night.