Learn About Thermal Inversion

Temperature inversion layers, also called thermal inversions or just inversion layers, are areas where the normal decrease in air temperature with increasing altitude is reversed and the air above the ground is warmer than the air below it. Inversion layers can occur anywhere from close to ground level up to thousands of feet into the atmosphere. Inversion layers are significant to meteorology because they block atmospheric flow which causes the air over an area experiencing an inversion to become stable. This can then result in various types of weather patterns. More importantly, though, areas with heavy pollution are prone to unhealthy air and an increase in smog when an inversion is present because they trap pollutants at ground level instead of circulating them away. Causes Normally, air temperature decreases at a rate of 3.5Â °F for every 1,000 feet (or roughly 6.4Â °C for every kilometer) you climb into the atmosphere. When this normal cycle is present, it is considered an unstable air mass, and air constantly flows between the warm and cool areas. The air is better able to mix and spread around pollutants. During an inversion episode, temperatures increase with increasing altitude. The warm inversion layer then acts as a cap and stops atmospheric mixing. This is why inversion layers are called stable air masses. Temperature inversions are a result of other weather conditions in an area. They occur most often when a warm, less dense air mass moves over a dense, cold air mass. This can happen, for example, when the air near the ground rapidly loses its heat on a clear night. The ground becomes cooled quickly while the air above it retains the heat the ground was holding during the day. Temperature inversions also occur in some coastal areas because upwelling of cold water can decrease surface air temperature and the cold air mass stays under warmer ones. Topography can also play a role in creating a temperature inversion since it can sometimes cause cold air to flow from mountain peaks down into valleys. This cold air then pushes under the warmer air rising from the valley, creating the inversion. In addition, inversions can also form in areas with significant snow cover because the snow at ground level is cold and its white color reflects almost all heat coming in. Thus, the air above the snow is often warmer because it holds the reflected energy. Consequences Some of the most significant consequences of temperature inversions are the extreme weather conditions they can sometimes create. One example is freezing rain. This phenomenon develops with a temperature inversion in a cold area because snow melts as it moves through the warm inversion layer. The precipitation then continues to fall and passes through the cold layer of air near the ground. When it moves through this final cold air mass it becomes super-cooled (cooled below freezing without becoming solid.) The supercooled drops then become ice when they land on items like cars and trees and the result is freezing rain or an ice storm. Intense thunderstorms and tornadoes are also associated with inversions because of the intense energy that is released after an inversion blocks an area’s normal convection patterns. Smog Although freezing rain, thunderstorms, and tornadoes are significant weather events, one of the most important things impacted by an inversion layer is smog. This is the brownish-gray haze that covers many of the world’s largest cities and is a result of dust, auto exhaust, and industrial manufacturing. Smog is impacted by the inversion layer because it is, in essence, capped when the warm air mass moves over an area. This happens because the warmer air layer sits over a city and prevents the normal mixing of cooler, denser air. The air instead becomes still and, over time, the lack of mixing causes pollutants to become trapped under the inversion, developing significant amounts of smog. During severe inversions that last over long periods, smog can cover entire metropolitan areas and cause respiratory problems for the inhabitants. In December 1952 such an inversion occurred in London. Because of the cold December weather, Londoners began to burn more coal, which increased air pollution in the city. Since the inversion was present over the city, these pollutants became trapped and increased London’s air pollution. The result was the Great Smog of 1952 that was blamed for thousands of deaths. Like London, Mexico City has also experienced problems with smog that have been exacerbated by the presence of an inversion layer. This city is infamous for its poor air quality, but these conditions are worsened when warm subtropical high-pressure systems move over the city and trap air in the Valley of Mexico. When these pressure systems trap the valley’s air, pollutants are also trapped and intense smog develops. Since 2000, Mexicos government has developed a plan aimed at reducing ozone and particulates released into the air over the city. London’s Great Smog and Mexico’s similar problems are extreme examples of smog being impacted by the presence of an inversion layer. This is a problem all over the world, though, and cities like Los Angeles, Mumbai, Santiago, and Tehran frequently experience intense smog when an inversion layer develops over them. Because of this, many of these cities and others are working to reduce their air pollution. To make the most of these changes and to reduce smog in the presence of a temperature inversion, it’s important to first understand all aspects of this phenomenon, making it an important component of the study of meteorology, a significant subfield within geography.

Summary Of A Passage Of India By Quot. Forster

A Passage to India, written by E.M. Forster, is a story of human relations between the British colonists and the people of India. Dr. Aziz, a native Indian and main character in the novel, is extremely frustrated of the way others think about these two cultures together. Some may say it s the position of superiority the British hold that the Indians perceive as degrading. Throughout the novel there is a clear tension between the natives and the colonists that relate to both fictional and historical events. There are several events that occur that demonstrate this cultural division. One event, for example, is when Aziz first meets Mrs. Moore, who is an elderly Englishwoman, and after they chat for awhile, he escorts her to a club that is strictly labeled whites-only. In the mean time, the Indians are forced to stay outside as if some type of a subhuman being. It is this type of segregation that has been see in history time and time again that leads to racial tension. Its simply a prob lem of education because those who do not study history are bound to repeat it. In every culture, civilization, habitat, or locality, there is, or has been, some form of discrimination at hand. From what I ve experienced, I believe it is solely based off of change of normality. For instance, when British colonists first arrived in the New World, Native Americans had already owned the land. To the natives, this flood of immigrants was their cultural change. Had they not all been massacred and

Classroom Management Plan Essay Example For Students

Classroom Management Plan Essay Management PlanAttendance:You are expected to be at all rehearsals and all events. During band camp, attendance is extremely important because you will miss that days new material, and may have to be written out of the show. It is very difficult for new members to make up what they have missed. Any conflicts should be handled IMMEDIATELY!ALSOSince the band functions as a single unit and not a group of individuals, Band performances are diminished by even a single absence. Hence, you will be at ALL band rehearsals and performances. It is the responsibility of the student to notify one of the Directors IN ADVANCE with a note or a phone call from the parent or guardian. Each request will be evaluated individually. Forged Excuses will be referred to the Principals office for disciplinary action. Unexcused absences from rehearsals will result in dismissal or other punitive measures. This will be considered on a case by case basis by the Band Director. Travel:We travel to events together and we return together. If a parent wishes to make other arrangements, they must submit a written note to one of the Band Directors, IN ADVANCE. The only exception is at the conclusion of an event; the parent must make personal contact with one of the Directors to verify that they are in attendance and will take responsibility for their child. Otherwise, students will ride the bus. Driving yourself, traveling with a friend, non-immediate family member, boyfriend, girlfriend, or neighbor is unacceptable. When in doubt, ask a Director. Other Guidelines To Note:1.Bus conduct will be exemplary at all times. The bus drivers instructions must be followed. 2.Only personal radios, tape, or CD players with headphones will be allowed. You must be seated at all times. Do not kneel or stand on the seats. 3.Wear the correct designated clothing under your uniform. 4.The buses will be kept clean. All riders are responsible and no one may leave until it is clean. Uniform Care and Maintenance:Band uniforms typically cost $350 to replace. You are expected to return the uniform in the same condition it was issued. Replace all parts of the uniform neatly into the garment bag. In the Stands:1.No one will play their instruments unless instructed to do so. 2.Everyone will have their own music lyre with them. 3.Recently graduated band members may not distract, socialize, or sit with the band or color guard unless permitted by the band staff. 4.Even though it is stands music, you will perform with the highest musical standards. 5.No one may the leave the stands without permission from the Directors. 6.Failure to return promptly from break will in having your break taken away for the following game. Instrument Care:The band performs at the highest level of musicianship, technical achievement and intonation. For this to work, all instruments must be of good quality and in good condition. All dents, warped reeds, rotted pads, etc will have a detrimental effect on performance quality. Guard equipment must be repaired on a regular basis.