A temperature inversion is typically associated with which type of atmospheric layer?

A temperature inversion is characterized by a stable layer of air. In a typical temperature profile, air temperature decreases with altitude. However, during a temperature inversion, a layer of warmer air traps cooler air near the surface. This creates stability in the atmosphere because the cool air below is denser than the warmer air above, effectively suppressing vertical mixing and the development of turbulence. As a result, the stable conditions can lead to phenomena such as fog or haze, as pollutants and moisture cannot disperse easily.

The other options relate to different atmospheric conditions that do not exhibit the characteristics of a temperature inversion. Unstable air layers are associated with rising air, leading to the development of convection and potential weather phenomena like thunderstorms. Dry air masses do not necessarily create stable conditions and are more often linked to a lack of humidity rather than temperature inversion specifically. Cold fronts can cause abrupt changes in temperature and often lead to unstable conditions rather than the stability associated with an inversion.