A large city is located in a valley.A warm, stable air mass settles over the valley, holding the air and its pollutants in place.After a few days, the city issues a smog alert.This situation is a result of a
A) rain shadow.
B) temperature inversion.
C) precipitation inversion.
D) climate change pattern.
E) prevailing wind pattern.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This situation is a result of a temperature inversion, in which a warm, stable air mass settles over the valley, creating a "lid" that holds the pollutants in place and causes them to accumulate. This can occur when cool air near the ground is trapped by a layer of warmer air above it, preventing it from rising and dispersing pollutants.

A Large City Is Located in a Valley