| Share facebook | RSS

3
Comments

ambassador Report View

[December Free Report] - Temperature Inversions

by Joey Wu | 06-12-2023 01:33 recommendations 1

Last night, I was on a walk when I noticed thick plumes of white haze spread across the skyline. A slight burning sensation rushed across my throat and my entire field of vision was quickly filled with heavy smog. Cars nearby lit up the scene with brilliant headlights; the world lit up as if it were morning. The air was filled with opaque wisps that seemed to have no end. I was experiencing an urban temperature inversion.

When a city is slightly below the elevation of its surroundings (a valley), the region around the city will cool at a higher altitude. This blankets the atmosphere inside of the city, leading to an inversion. Usually, hot air rises above cold air, but the valley creates a space where hot air is trapped under a 'dome' of colder air. This traps pollution, particulates, and smoke, leading to exacerbated conditions inside the city. Coupled with the urban heat island that creates higher temperatures within city areas, the temperature inversion causes a large threat. 

Temperature inversions are prominent in the winter, where the natural surroundings cool at a faster rate and lead to larger differences between surroundings and city. This can lead to smog/hazy conditions that create regions of poor air quality within the city. Having experienced this firsthand, I was shocked by the scale at which natural forces could dominate our daily lives. It was truly humbling and showed the necessity for greater climate action in cities. 
 
Smog in PhiladelphiaSmog in PhiladelphiaSmog in Philadelphia

JoeyWu

  • United States Of America Youth Joey Wu
 
 
  • recommend

3 Comments

SangHyeon Park

  • SangHyeon Park says :
    Hi, it's your mentor SH. Your vivid description highlights the impact of urban temperature inversions on air quality, emphasizing the need for climate action in cities. The interplay of natural forces can significantly affect daily life, underscoring the importance of environmental awareness and solutions. Happy new year!
    Posted 04-01-2024 14:32

Seeun Mentor

  • Seeun Mentor says :
    Hello, this is mentor Seeun.
    I can almost imagine the hazy air by your description! I didn't know this was caused by temperature inversions. This explains the heavy concentration of air pollution in the city.
    Great report!
    Posted 08-12-2023 17:48

Melissa Menlah Adu

  • Melissa Menlah Adu says :
    Joey Wu's vivid account of an urban temperature inversion paints a stark picture of how natural forces can impact our daily lives. The thick haze and smog experienced firsthand underscore the urgent need for climate action in cities. A compelling reminder to prioritize environmental solutions and also a thought-provoking read on the tangible effects of environmental challenges.nice report 👏
    Posted 06-12-2023 11:42

Post a comment

Please sign in

Opportunities

Resources