What is a common indicator of a temperature inversion?

A temperature inversion occurs when a layer of warm air traps cooler air at the surface, leading to a stable atmospheric condition. This scenario is characterized by a stable air layer with warmer air aloft. In a typical atmosphere, air temperature decreases with altitude; however, during an inversion, this trend is reversed, creating a situation where the air close to the ground is cooler than the air above it. This stability often results in reduced vertical mixing of the atmosphere, which can lead to a buildup of pollutants and fog.

While other factors might influence the environment, such as turbulence and visibility, they do not specifically define the presence of a temperature inversion. Increased turbulence would generally be absent in a stable layer due to the lack of vertical mixing. Consistent wind speeds do not directly indicate a temperature inversion either, as wind patterns can vary independently of temperature profiles. Finally, while visibility can sometimes improve under certain conditions associated with inversions, it is not a defining characteristic of the phenomenon itself.