A capping inversion is an elevated inversion layer that caps a convective boundary layer. A temperature inversion is a meteorological phenomenon where air temperature increases with height. ... In physics and fluid mechanics, the boundary layer is that layer of fluid in the immediate vicinity of a bounding surface. ...

An inversion layer is when the normal temperature profile is reversed (cooler air below warmer air). An elevated inversion layer is higher in the atmosphere. A temperature inversion is a meteorological phenomenon where air temperature increases with height. ...

The layer nearest the Earth is called the boundary layer. An elevated inversion layer allows for a normal temperature profile (warmer air below cooler air) in the boundary layer. Warmer air near the surface rises into the cooler air, which is called convection. A convective boundary layer indicates the layer closest to the earth has the potential for cloud formation, since as the warm air rises and cools condensation occurs. In physics and fluid mechanics, the boundary layer is that layer of fluid in the immediate vicinity of a bounding surface. ... In physics and fluid mechanics, the boundary layer is that layer of fluid in the immediate vicinity of a bounding surface. ... Convection is the transfer of heat by the motion of or within a fluid. ... Condensation can refer to: The change in phase of a substance to a denser phase, such as gas to a liquid. ...

A capping inversion occurs when there is a boundary layer with a normal temperature profile (warm air rising into cooler air) and the layer above that is an inversion layer (cooler air below warm air). Cloud formation from the lower layer is capped by the inversion layer, which can lead to severe thunderstorms. If the capping inversion layer or "cap" is too strong (too close to the surface), it will prevent thunderstorms from developing. This can result in fog. A severe thunderstorm is a thunderstorm with winds 58 mph or greater, 3/4 inch or larger hail, or tornadoes. ... Early morning fog obscures the surface of this lake in Carrollton, Georgia, but the sky remains clear. ...

See Also

• Convective available potential energy
• Convective inhibition

In meteorology, convective available potential energy (CAPE) is the amount of energy a parcel of air would have if lifted a certain distance vertically through the atmosphere. ... Convective inhibition (CIN or CINH) is a meteorlogic parameter that measures the amount of energy that will prevent an air parcel from rising from the surface to the level of free convection. ...

Sources

• National Science Digital Library - Capping Inversion