Temperature Inversions in the Planetary Boundary Layer

Abstract

Temperature inversions of several types have been observed over Patiala during initial phases of setting up of an acoustic echosonde in Aug 1980. Surface-based inversions and elevated layers have been observed to be predominantly nighttime phenomena. The thickness of the surface-based inversion is found to be around 100 m while the elevated layers have thickness varying from 20 to 180 m with a peak of occurrence between 30 and 60 m. The surface-based layer rises after sunrise. The total structure in the morning is found to be correlated with radiosonde observations. The water vapour in the atmosphere seems to play a role in controlling the thickness and intensity of the surface-based inversions.