What effect do inversions have on air quality?

Inversions have a significant impact on air quality, often leading to the worsening of conditions. During an inversion, a layer of warmer air traps cooler air at the surface, which can lead to the accumulation of pollutants in that lower layer. This trapping effect prevents the vertical mixing of air that normally helps disperse contaminants. As a result, emissions from vehicles, industrial activities, and other sources build up under the inversion, leading to increased concentrations of pollutants such as particulate matter and ground-level ozone. Because of this accumulation, air quality can deteriorate, potentially resulting in health issues, especially for vulnerable populations with respiratory conditions.

The other outcomes mentioned, like improving air quality or having no effect, do not accurately reflect the typical characteristics of an inversion layer. Benefiting crop growth is also unrelated, as air quality often takes precedence over agricultural benefits during such conditions.