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Feb 26, 2008 11:16 am US/Eastern

February 26 Weather Trivia Answer

Reporting
Barry Burbank
Correct Answer: c) warmer air aloft

In a standard atmosphere, the temperature of the air decreases with height to approximately 5 degrees Fahrenheit per 1000 feet of ascent. Temperature inversions do occur from time to time. In other words, the temperature increases with height usually when a layer of cold, dense air is trapped near the surface. This frequently happens on clear, calm nights when radiational cooling chills the low levels of the atmosphere. Smoke rises only when it is warmer than its surrounding environment.
 
Consequently, if the air aloft is warmer than the smokey air, it will run into a barrier, stop rising and spread out in a layer. Sometimes, it may be an indicator of impending precipitation but the folklore that settling smoke always means an end to great weather is a myth.

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