In which atmospheric condition does temperature increase with elevation?

Prepare for the NCEES FE Environmental Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions with explanations. Ace your exam confidently!

Inversion is the correct choice because it describes a condition in the atmosphere where the temperature increases with elevation, which is contrary to the usual temperature profile. Typically, the temperature in the troposphere decreases with altitude, known as the normal lapse rate. However, during an inversion, a layer of warmer air traps cooler air beneath it, creating a situation where the usual decrease in temperature with height is reversed. This phenomenon can lead to various meteorological effects, such as the trapping of pollutants and the formation of fog.

The other conditions present different temperature profiles. An isothermal lapse rate indicates a situation where temperature remains constant with height, rather than increasing. A stable atmosphere implies that temperature increases less dramatically with elevation than usual, creating less vertical motion. A declining temperature lapse phase refers to the regular decrease in temperature with height, aligning with standard atmospheric behavior rather than the unique characteristics of an inversion. Therefore, inversion best captures the scenario where temperature increases with elevation.

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