Temperature inversions can increase drift.

Temperature inversions can increase drift.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only at night
• D. Only with rain

Answer: (A)

Temperature inversions create a very stable layer of air near the ground, which suppresses vertical mixing. With little up-and-down air movement, spray droplets stay in that shallow layer instead of rising and diluting. That means they can be carried horizontally by low-level winds for longer distances, increasing drift and the chance of off-target deposition. Inversions often occur during calm, clear conditions like early morning or night, but they are not limited to nighttime—and they’re not caused by rain. So the statement is true.

Temperature inversions create a very stable layer of air near the ground, which suppresses vertical mixing. With little up-and-down air movement, spray droplets stay in that shallow layer instead of rising and diluting. That means they can be carried horizontally by low-level winds for longer distances, increasing drift and the chance of off-target deposition. Inversions often occur during calm, clear conditions like early morning or night, but they are not limited to nighttime—and they’re not caused by rain. So the statement is true.