Temperature Inversion

Plate Tectonics

A theory explaining the
structure of the earth's crust
and many associated
phenomena as resulting from
the interaction of rigid
lithospheric plates which move
slowly over the underlying
mantle.

Extended thinking: How many major tectonic plates cover the earth?

Ozone

(O3) is a highly reactive gas
composed of three oxygen atoms. It
is both a natural and a man-made
product that occurs in the Earth's
upper atmosphere. (the
stratosphere) and lower
atmosphere (the troposphere).
Depending on where it is in the
atmosphere, ozone affects life on
Earth in either good or bad ways.

Temperature Inversion and Pollution

Due to the constant rising and lowering
of air through temperature inversion, air
pollution is often trapped at the surface of the earth.

-When enough pollutants have
combined to form a mist, it is known
as smog

Smog

Fog or haze combined with smoke
and other atmospheric pollutants

Temperature Inversion

A temperature inversion is a thin layer of the atmosphere where the normal decrease in temperature with height switches to the temperature increasing with height.

Temperature Inversion and the Weather

Inversion acts as a “cap” for
convection. If the cap is somehow
broken, it can result in violent
thunderstorms in warmer climates
and freezing rain in colder climates.

Multiple Choice

What is used to simulate different temperatures in the experiment?

• Temperature sensors

  
  

• Different gases

• Colored lights

• Colored water in juice bottles

Multiple Choice

What does the blue-colored water represent in the experiment?

• Pollution

• Room temperature

• Cold temperature

• Hot temperature

Multiple Choice

What is the main reason for conducting this experiment?

• 
  To study water properties

• To visualize Denver's winter pollution

• To understand global warming

• 
  To learn about water colors

Multiple Choice

What does the experiment use to visually represent temperature differences?

• Different colored water

• 
  Thermometers

• 
  Hot plates

• 
  Ice cubes

Multiple Choice

Why is it important to have daylight when driving, according to the experiment?

• 
  To save energy

• 
  To ensure the gases move back and forth properly

• To keep the car warm

• To reduce the risk of accidents

Multiple Choice

What does the warm air do in the experiment?

• 
  It sinks below the cold air

• 
  It rises above the cold air

• 
  It freezes

• 
  It evaporates

Multiple Choice

What does the experiment demonstrate about temperature and air movement?

• Cold air always stays on top

• 
  Warm air can't move

• Temperature has no effect on air movement

• 
  

  Warm air rises and cold air sinks

Multiple Choice

What phenomenon traps pollution close to the ground?

• 
  Condensation

• 
  Temperature inversion

• Convection

• 
  Evaporation

Multiple Choice

What is the effect of temperature inversion on pollution?

• 
  It disperses pollution into the atmosphere

• It has no effect

• 
  It traps pollution close to the ground

• 
  It increases air circulation

Multiple Choice

Why is temperature inversion a concern for Denver's air quality?

• 
  It causes global warming

• 
  It traps pollution, worsening air quality

• It leads to clearer skies

• 
  It increases rainfall

Open Ended

What is one thing that you learned today?

Open Ended

How can you use this information in your life?