What happens to visibility when a temperature inversion forms?

When a temperature inversion forms, visibility generally improves, contrary to the choice indicated. A temperature inversion occurs when a layer of warm air traps cooler air at the surface, leading to stable atmospheric conditions. This situation can cause air pollutants, such as smoke and fog, to become trapped within the cooler air layer, which can restrict visibility.

Inversions commonly occur in the morning or at night when the ground cools rapidly and can lead to low-level clouds or fog, further diminishing visibility. Therefore, the presence of an inversion can lead to conditions where visibility is significantly reduced due to these trapped pollutants and moisture in the air.

Understanding temperature inversions is important for pilots since they can lead to unexpected changes in visibility that may affect flying conditions. Awareness of these phenomena helps in making informed decisions about flight operations and safety.