Which of the following conditions is/are ideal for the phenomenon of 'Inversion of Temperature'? 1. Long winter night 2. Cloudy skies 3. Strong gusty winds Select the correct answer using the code given below:

The correct option is 1 only Explanation Temperature Inversion is a meteorological phenomenon where the normal lapse rate is reversed; instead of temperature decreasing with altitude, it increases. This usually occurs when the air near the ground becomes colder than the air above it. - Statement 1 is Correct: Long winter nights are ideal for inversion because they provide a prolonged period for the Earth's surface to lose heat via terrestrial radiation. Without incoming solar radiation during the night, the ground cools rapidly, chilling the air layer immediately in contact with it. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: Clear skies are necessary for inversion. Clouds act as an insulating layer that absorbs and re-radiates terrestrial heat back to the surface, preventing the ground from cooling effectively. Therefore, cloudy skies inhibit the formation of an inversion layer. - Statement 3 is Incorrect: Calm and stable air is required for the stratification of air layers. Strong gusty winds cause turbulence and vertical mixing of the cold surface air with the warmer air above, thereby disrupting the temperature gradient necessary for inversion. Key Takeaway: The specific conditions required for surface temperature inversion are long nights (to maximize cooling time), clear skies (to allow radiation to escape), and calm air (to prevent mixing).

NCERT Class 11 Geography — Chapter 2: Solar radiation, heat balance and temperature

mcqmedium

Which of the following conditions is/are ideal for the phenomenon of 'Inversion of Temperature'?

Long winter night
Cloudy skies
Strong gusty winds

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A2 only
B1, 2 and 3
C1 only
D1 and 3 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is

1 only

Explanation

Temperature Inversion is a meteorological phenomenon where the normal lapse rate is reversed; instead of temperature decreasing with altitude, it increases. This usually occurs when the air near the ground becomes colder than the air above it.

Statement 1 is Correct: Long winter nights are ideal for inversion because they provide a prolonged period for the Earth's surface to lose heat via terrestrial radiation. Without incoming solar radiation during the night, the ground cools rapidly, chilling the air layer immediately in contact with it.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Clear skies are necessary for inversion. Clouds act as an insulating layer that absorbs and re-radiates terrestrial heat back to the surface, preventing the ground from cooling effectively. Therefore, cloudy skies inhibit the formation of an inversion layer.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: Calm and stable air is required for the stratification of air layers. Strong gusty winds cause turbulence and vertical mixing of the cold surface air with the warmer air above, thereby disrupting the temperature gradient necessary for inversion.

Key Takeaway: The specific conditions required for surface temperature inversion are long nights (to maximize cooling time), clear skies (to allow radiation to escape), and calm air (to prevent mixing).

Your note

More from Chapter 2: Solar radiation, heat balance and temperature

Which of the following best explains why the annual insolation received on 3rd January is slightly more than on 4th July?

easy

Consider the following data regarding the Heat Budget of the Earth: 1. 35 units are reflected back from the top of the clouds. 2. 14 units are absorbed within the atmosphere. 3. 51 units are absorbed by the earth’s surface. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

hard

With reference to the heating of the atmosphere, consider the following statements: 1. Conduction is the process where heat is transferred through horizontal movement of air. 2. Convection is the process of vertical heating of the atmosphere. 3. Advection has no role in the diurnal variation of daily weather in middle latitudes. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

With reference to the variability of insolation at the surface of the Earth, consider the following statements: 1. The Earth receives slightly more annual insolation on 3rd January than on 4th July. 2. The variation in solar output due to the Earth's distance from the Sun has a drastic effect on daily weather changes. 3. The rotation of the Earth on its axis is one of the factors causing variations in insolation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Which of the following factors is/are responsible for the variations in insolation received at the surface of the Earth? 1. The angle of inclination of the sun’s rays 2. The transparency of the atmosphere 3. The configuration of land in terms of its aspect 4. The revolution of the Earth around the Sun has no influence on insolation variations Select the correct answer using the code given below:

easy

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The correct option is

1 only

Explanation

Statement 1 is Correct: Long winter nights are ideal for inversion because they provide a prolonged period for the Earth's surface to lose heat via terrestrial radiation. Without incoming solar radiation during the night, the ground cools rapidly, chilling the air layer immediately in contact with it.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Clear skies are necessary for inversion. Clouds act as an insulating layer that absorbs and re-radiates terrestrial heat back to the surface, preventing the ground from cooling effectively. Therefore, cloudy skies inhibit the formation of an inversion layer.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: Calm and stable air is required for the stratification of air layers. Strong gusty winds cause turbulence and vertical mixing of the cold surface air with the warmer air above, thereby disrupting the temperature gradient necessary for inversion.