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).