Refer to figure.
Since the atmosphere is primarily heated from below, it is warmest at the surface. Consequently, the air temperature typically decreases with height. However, when the temperature increases with height, this phenomenon is known as an inversion. Inversions can occur anywhere from the surface to the upper levels of the atmosphere.

Understanding inversions and their locations is important because they can indicate areas of turbulence, wind shear, or freezing rain, and they also affect the stability of the air.

• We can think of an inversion as a "Tupperware lid" for the atmosphere - it limits the upward movement of air from lower parts of the atmosphere (inhbits vertical mixing). Consequently, air pollutants, smoke, and dust aren't able to be dispersed throughout the atmosphere. This accumulation of particulates can cause reduced visibility below the inversion.