What type of inversion develops during the night with clear skies and light winds?

Radiational inversion occurs during the night when clear skies and light winds are present, which allows for significant cooling of the Earth's surface. This cooling happens as the ground loses heat through radiation into the atmosphere. As the surface cools, the air in contact with it also cools, becoming denser than the air above it. This creates a layer of cooler air near the ground with warmer air above, leading to a stable atmospheric condition known as an inversion.

Radiational inversions typically develop in calm, dry conditions and are most common in areas that have relatively low vegetation and moisture. The effects of this inversion can include early morning fog and low air quality due to trapped pollutants and particulate matter. This phenomenon is distinct from other types of inversions, which may develop under different atmospheric conditions or due to weather fronts. Understanding radiational inversion is crucial for recognizing and predicting air quality concerns during calm nights with clear skies.