inversion layer

American  

noun

1. a layer of the atmosphere in which there is a temperature inversion, with the layer tending to prevent the air below it from rising, thus trapping any pollutants that are present.

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Example Sentences

For Chiang Mai and other northern provinces which experience prolonged high levels of microscopic dust, the season usually begins in late February, when dry weather and an atmospheric inversion layer cause airborne particles to accumulate.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 15, 2024

This pushed air downwards, creating an inversion layer that trapped the smog close to the ground.

From BBC • Dec. 5, 2023

If the inversion layer is strong, he said, “it’ll trap smoke.”

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 5, 2021

An inversion layer on Monday trapped smoke over much of the fire, and the shade helped lower temperatures and keep humidity up, incident meteorologist Julia Ruthford said.

From Fox News • Jul. 27, 2021

Beneath this level, perhaps even below 40,000 feet, lie all the strata, including the inversion layer, where the sun's heat is conserved and an equilibrium maintained.

From Astronomy: The Science of the Heavenly Bodies by Todd, David Peck