Surface temperature inversion

Surface Temperature Inversion is a phenomena that describes the difference in ambient temperature as the distance to an object's surface varies.

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It is a specific type of Temperature inversion.

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The definition usually applies to the observed meterological condition where the air temperature at ground level is cooler then the temperature above it. The phenomena usually occurs at night, when the ground cools quickly, cooling the air directly in contact with it. As air is a poor conductor of heat, the air closer to the surface cools more quckly, while air further above remains warmer.

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Favourable conditions for surface temperature inversion are winter nights, where the night is longer, and the ground has more time to cool, calm weather, and clear skies. Topographical features such as dells and valleys may also contribute to pooling of cold air, and temperature inversions.

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You may have noticed the effect of temperature inversion, when riding a bicycle on a cool winter's night (about 10°C - colder and your skin would find it hard to deferentiate the inversion). If you pay attention, you may experience warm and cool pockets of air -- caused by surface temperature inversion.

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