Thermal inversions are uncommon because layers of warmer air normally do not reside above layers of cooler air.

Question

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Thermal inversions are uncommon because the normal temperature profile of the atmosphere decreases with altitude, meaning under typical conditions, air temperature drops as you go higher. Thermal inversions occur when this pattern is reversed, and a layer of warmer air lies above cooler air, which is not the usual state.

Thermal Inversions Are Uncommon Because Layers of Warmer Air Normally