Geography • Physical GeographyHard
With reference to microclimatology and thermal radiation fluxes, consider the following statements regarding nocturnal surface inversions: 1. They develop most intensely under clear skies with calm wind conditions due to rapid net outgoing longwave radiation. 2. High absolute humidity and dense cloud cover enhance the cooling rate of the ground surface by trapping outgoing terrestrial radiation. 3. Cold air drainage flows from adjacent higher elevations into valley bottoms can accentuate the depth and severity of surface temperature inversions. Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only✓ Correct Answer
D. 1, 2 and 3
💡 Solution & Explanation
Surface temperature inversions form effectively on clear, calm nights when the Earth's surface radiates heat rapidly into space without cloud interference. Dense cloud cover and high humidity inhibit radiative cooling by absorbing and counter-radiating terrestrial longwave energy back to the surface. Cold air drainage, known as katabatic flow, pools dense chilled air in topographic depressions, strengthening surface inversions. These inversions trap atmospheric pollutants near the ground by suppressing vertical mixing.
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