Which of the following is the correct description of atmospheric stability during a temperature inversion?

Atmospheric stability during a temperature inversion is characterized as stable because the temperature increases with altitude, in contrast to the normal decrease in temperature. This temperature profile creates a layer of warmer air above the cooler air at the surface, effectively trapping the cooler air below. In this scenario, vertical movement of air is inhibited because the cooler, denser air remains trapped.

This stability means that air parcels that rise into the warmer air will not continue to rise but will instead sink back down, as they are buoyant compared to the surrounding air. As a result, this situation leads to reduced vertical mixing in the atmosphere, often causing the development of smog and poor air quality, as pollutants are not dispersed.

The other choices do not accurately describe the conditions in a temperature inversion. An unstable atmosphere would allow for vertical movement and convective activity, while transitional or variable conditions would imply changing stability, which does not apply to a stable inversion setup. Hence, the classification of atmospheric stability as stable during a temperature inversion is the most accurate representation of the phenomenon.