What Is Capping Inversion?
A warm layer of air a mile or so up that acts like a lid, keeping storms from forming. If it breaks, storms can erupt explosively. In technical terms: An elevated temperature inversion or stable layer, often an advected elevated mixed layer, that suppresses surface-based convection by imposing negative buoyancy (CIN) on lifted parcels; allows instability to build beneath it until removed by heating, lift or cooling aloft.
Also called: Cap, Lid
Capping Inversion In Plain English
A warm layer of air a mile or so up that acts like a lid, keeping storms from forming. If it breaks, storms can erupt explosively.
The Technical Definition
An elevated temperature inversion or stable layer, often an advected elevated mixed layer, that suppresses surface-based convection by imposing negative buoyancy (CIN) on lifted parcels; allows instability to build beneath it until removed by heating, lift or cooling aloft.
Lessons That Use Capping Inversion
- CAPE, CIN And The Lifted Index Unit 6: Stability And Soundings
