Mixed-layer capping inversion: Difference between revisions
From Glossary of Meteorology
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<div class="definition"><div class="short_definition">The statically stable layer of air at the top of the [[atmospheric boundary layer]].</div><br/> <div class="paragraph">Because the [[troposphere]] is statically stable on the average (i.e., [[potential temperature]] increases with height), and because [[turbulence]] in the [[boundary layer]] causes potential temperatures to become somewhat well mixed there, conservation of [[heat]] requires that there be a potential temperature increase (i.e., a temperature step or [[inversion]]) at the top of the boundary layer. It is this inversion that separates the boundary layer from the rest of the troposphere by limiting the domain of turbulence. It is also responsible for trapping [[pollutants]] near the ground during [[fair]] weather.</div><br/> </div> | <div class="definition"><div class="short_definition">The statically stable layer of air at the top of the [[atmospheric boundary layer|atmospheric boundary layer]].</div><br/> <div class="paragraph">Because the [[troposphere]] is statically stable on the average (i.e., [[potential temperature]] increases with height), and because [[turbulence]] in the [[boundary layer]] causes potential temperatures to become somewhat well mixed there, conservation of [[heat]] requires that there be a potential temperature increase (i.e., a temperature step or [[inversion]]) at the top of the boundary layer. It is this inversion that separates the boundary layer from the rest of the troposphere by limiting the domain of turbulence. It is also responsible for trapping [[pollutants]] near the ground during [[fair]] weather.</div><br/> </div> | ||
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Latest revision as of 16:26, 25 April 2012
mixed-layer capping inversion[edit | edit source]
The statically stable layer of air at the top of the atmospheric boundary layer.
Because the troposphere is statically stable on the average (i.e., potential temperature increases with height), and because turbulence in the boundary layer causes potential temperatures to become somewhat well mixed there, conservation of heat requires that there be a potential temperature increase (i.e., a temperature step or inversion) at the top of the boundary layer. It is this inversion that separates the boundary layer from the rest of the troposphere by limiting the domain of turbulence. It is also responsible for trapping pollutants near the ground during fair weather.
