What is an example of a temperature inversion?

A temperature inversion occurs when a layer of warm air traps cooler air near the ground, which is why the warm air trapped near the ground is the correct example. In typical atmospheric conditions, air temperature decreases with altitude; however, during a temperature inversion, this pattern is reversed. The warm air acts as a cap, preventing the cooler air below from rising and mixing. This can lead to the accumulation of pollutants and fog near the surface, creating issues for air quality and visibility.

In contrast, strong jet streams, wind shear effects, and severe mountain waves are not directly indicative of temperature inversions. Jet streams are fast-flowing air currents found in the atmosphere but do not illustrate the phenomenon of warm air trapping cooler air. Wind shear refers to changes in wind speed or direction with altitude, which doesn't inherently involve the concept of temperature inversion. Severe mountain waves are associated with the interaction of wind with topography, which also does not describe the stable layering of differing temperatures that happens during a temperature inversion.