Distribution of temperature and inversion of temperature

Inversion stops vertical mixing so pollutants and fog are trapped below. In exams remember its effect on human life.

Cold dense air collects at the valley bottom and relatively warmer air remains above. In exams identify valley inversion by cold air pooling.

Direct answer: Option A, higher altitude. Latitude affects temperature because solar rays are generally less direct away from the Equator, but it is not the only control. At the same latitude, a place located higher above sea level can be cooler because air pressure is lower and the air expands and cools; the normal environmental lapse rate also makes temperature decrease with height. Therefore a mountain town may be colder than a lowland town at the same latitude. Option A is the only physically relevant geographical cause listed. Option B, higher population, may increase local pollution or heat in some cases but does not directly explain the general temperature difference here. Option C, a longer river, does not determine the main air temperature. Option D, language diversity, has no direct atmospheric effect. Exam cue: compare latitude, altitude, distance from sea, winds, and local relief.

The sea heats and cools slowly so coastal temperature remains balanced. In exams link maritime effect with low temperature range.

Close isotherms show large temperature change over a short distance. In exams identify temperature gradient from spacing.

Widely spaced isotherms show gradual temperature change. In exams link wider spacing with gentle temperature gradient.

Water heats and cools slowly which keeps temperature moderate. Remember heat capacity of water in exams.

Far from sea land temperature changes quickly. In exams link inland areas with continentality.

A cold current can cool even a low latitude coast. In exams treat ocean currents as modifiers of latitude effect.

A warm current brings heat and can make a high latitude coast mild. Remember the modifying role of currents in exams.

Currents and maritime influence modify coastal temperature. In exams find causes behind bent isotherms.

Oceans make temperature more uniform and moderate. Link Southern Hemisphere with oceanic dominance in exams.

In winter land cools faster than sea. In exams understand January cold through land water contrast.

Land heats faster than water and inland areas have less maritime influence. Link July heating with continentality in exams.

Even at same latitude altitude and maritime effect can change temperature. Use multi factor analysis in exams.

Low latitude gives more heat but altitude can lower temperature. In exams check both latitude and altitude.

In temperature inversion the normal lapse condition reverses. Remember cold air below and warm air above in exams.

Clear sky allows heat escape and calm air reduces mixing. Treat clear calm night as a condition for inversion in exams.

Cold dense air drains down slopes and collects on valley floor. Identify valley inversion by cold air pooling in exams.

Cold air collects on valley floor and makes it cooler than upper slopes. Link this with valley inversion in exams.

In inversion stability increases and pollutants cannot disperse upward. In exams link inversion with air pollution.

Air mixing is weak in inversion and moisture can stay trapped below. Remember stable lower layer in exams.

Clouds send back some terrestrial radiation so the surface cools less. Link cloudy nights with weaker inversion in exams.

On a clear calm night the surface cools and cold air collects on valley floor. Remember cold surface and calm air for frost.

Dry inland desert has strong daytime heating and night cooling. Link desert with high daily range in exams.