Atmospheric Inversions and Pollution Effects

The video tutorial explains the concept of temperature inversions, where cooler air is trapped below warmer air, leading to stable atmospheric conditions that hinder pollution dispersion. It discusses various causes of inversions, including natural processes and urban factors like heat islands. The impact of inversions on pollution in cities such as Los Angeles and New Delhi is highlighted, with examples of how cold fronts and atmospheric circulation patterns like the Hadley cell contribute to inversion formation.

What is an atmospheric inversion?

• A process where air parcels rise rapidly

• A phenomenon where air pressure decreases with altitude

• A condition where cooler air is trapped below warmer air

• A situation where warmer air is below cooler air

How do urban environments contribute to nighttime inversions?

• By increasing cloud cover

• By reducing surface albedo

• By enhancing wind speeds

• By allowing radiative cooling due to lack of clouds

What is the impact of high albedo surfaces on inversions?

• They enhance radiative cooling

• They increase wind speeds

• They increase cloud cover

• They reduce air pressure

What happens to air during adiabatic compression?

• It loses moisture

• It cools down

• It becomes more buoyant

• It warms up

How do trade winds contribute to atmospheric inversions?

• By causing air to rise rapidly

• By increasing surface temperatures

• By creating adiabatic compression and warming

• By enhancing cloud formation

How does radiative cooling affect descending air?

• It balances warming due to compression

• It causes the air to rise

• It increases the air's moisture content

• It leads to rapid air movement

Why does pollution become more severe in New Delhi during winter?

• Because of higher temperatures

• Due to stronger winds

• Because of crop burning and inversions

• Due to increased rainfall

Which region is known for haze due to inversions and dust storms?

• Western Europe

• Eastern China

• Northern Africa

• Southern Australia

What is a cold front?

• A region of high pressure

• A zone of low humidity

• A boundary where warm air displaces cold air

• A boundary where cold air displaces warm air

What is the role of the Hadley cell in atmospheric circulation?

• It involves rising air in the tropics and descending air in subtropics

• It creates high pressure at the poles

• It leads to increased rainfall in deserts

• It causes air to sink at the equator