3.3. Nighttime Cooling Effects

Try these first

1. 1.

   What happens to the air temperature at night compared to the soil temperature?

   Hint

   Consider how heat is transferred from the ground to the air.

2. 2.

   Define temperature inversion.

   Hint

   It is the opposite of the expected temperature profile.

3. 3.

   What occurs to the pollutants during a temperature inversion?

   • They disperse rapidly.
   • They remain trapped near the ground.
   • They rise to the upper atmosphere.

   Hint

   Think about how temperature affects air flow.

4. 4.

   True or False: During the night, the temperature of the soil generally stays higher than the air temperature.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Reflect on how heat radiates from the ground at night.

5. 5.

   Calculate the expected temperature of an air parcel at 1,000 meters if its starting temperature was 20°C, assuming it cools at a dry adiabatic lapse rate.

   Hint

   Remember to subtract the lapse rate from the original temperature.

6. 6.

   Analyze how a city like Los Angeles might experience increased smog levels during a temperature inversion and propose two methods to mitigate this issue.

   Hint

   Consider both immediate and long-term solutions to reduce emissions.