Which weather condition is likely as a result of a strong temperature inversion?

Study for the Commercial Lighter‑Than‑Air (LTA) Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

A strong temperature inversion occurs when a layer of warm air traps cooler air at the surface, preventing it from rising. This situation creates a stable atmosphere that often leads to the accumulation of pollutants and moisture near the ground. As the cooler air near the surface is trapped, it is more susceptible to condensation, especially if there is sufficient humidity present. This results in the formation of fog and low clouds.

Fog typically forms in conditions where the air near the ground cools to its dew point, creating thick moisture that is captured in the cooler air. Low clouds can also form under similar conditions where the moisture in the cooler air condenses. In contrast, severe thunderstorms, heat waves, and strong winds are usually associated with more dynamic atmospheric conditions, which are not characteristic of a temperature inversion. Temperature inversions suppress vertical air movement, preventing the development of the convective currents necessary for severe thunderstorms or strong winds and do not typically lead to heat waves. Therefore, the presence of fog and low clouds is a direct result of the stable stratification caused by a strong temperature inversion.

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