inversion
in-VUR-zhuhn
/ɪnˈvɜːrʒən/
A reversal of the normal decrease of air temperature with altitude, which can trap pollutants near the ground.
In the context of pollution, it specifically refers to a 'temperature inversion' where warm air sits on top of cold air.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'invertere', meaning 'to turn about'. It was used in geometry and music before being adopted by meteorologists in the 19th century to describe 'flipped' air layers.
Word relationships
- reversal: Reversal is general; inversion is the technical term for the atmospheric flip.
- convection: The normal upward movement of warm air.
Commonly confused with
- conversion: Conversion is changing from one thing to another; inversion is turning something upside down.
Word family
- invert (verb): To turn upside down or inside out.
- inverse (adjective): Opposite in position or order.
Collocations
- temperature inversion
- thermal inversion
- inversion layer
Example sentences
- "A strong temperature inversion trapped the city's exhaust fumes, leading to a spike in respiratory hospitalizations." Weather report during a smog event.
- "Cities located in basins are particularly susceptible to an inversion that prevents smog from dispersing." Explaining geography and pollution.
Memory hook
In-Version: The 'Version' of the atmosphere is 'In' (inside out/upside down). Warm air lid.
When not to use
Do not use for general 'reversals' unless you are talking about logic or music; in environmental science, it is strictly meteorological.
Fun facts
- Inversions are why you can sometimes see a clear line of brown smog sitting over a city from an airplane.
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