What effect can a surface inversion have on visibility?

A surface inversion typically produces poor visibility due to the presence of a layer of warmer air trapping cooler air and any pollutants near the surface. This stable atmospheric condition can lead to the accumulation of fog, haze, or smog, which reduces overall visibility. The cooler air below the inversion layer becomes saturated more easily, contributing to the formation of low clouds or fog, further impairing visibility.

While some atmospheric conditions may improve visibility temporarily, the characteristic effects of a surface inversion are primarily associated with degraded visibility. Therefore, the understanding of how surface inversions interact with air quality and visibility is crucial in predicting weather conditions and understanding their impact on aviation and driving.