What meteorological condition typically leads to poor atmospheric dispersion?

Temperature inversions are a key meteorological condition that can lead to poor atmospheric dispersion of pollutants. Normally, air temperature decreases with altitude, allowing warmer air to rise, which aids in the mixing of the atmosphere and the dispersion of any trapped pollutants. However, during a temperature inversion, a layer of warmer air traps cooler air at the surface. This stable stratification prevents the vertical mixing of air and results in the accumulation of pollutants near the ground.

In environments affected by temperature inversions, emissions from industrial activities, traffic, or other sources can become concentrated in a limited vertical space, leading to air quality issues. Thus, understanding the role of temperature inversions is crucial for predicting atmospheric dispersion and recognizing conditions that may worsen air pollution scenarios.

Other meteorological conditions, such as high wind speeds, can facilitate the dispersion of pollutants by dispersing them over a larger area. High humidity and frequent precipitation can influence air quality in various ways, but they do not inherently lead to the same kind of stable stratification observed during inversions, which is directly responsible for limiting dispersion.