HOME ABOUT FOR TEACHERS GLOSSARY LINKS ACTIVITY MAP
Opening Lessons
Ozone Lessons
PM Lessons
Core Particulate Matter Lessons
Sources of Particulate Matter
Size, Shape and Health Effects of Particulates
Visibility
Temperature Inversion
Optional Particulate Matter Lessons
Particulate Matter Investigation
Closing Lessons
Enrichment Lessons



Particulate Matter Lessons -> Core -> Temperature Inversion

 
Temperature Inversion

 --> What is the effect an inversion layer can have on particulate levels?

In this activity, you will describe an inversion layer and its effects can have on particulate levels.

Part 1

  1. Access the AIRNow PM archives for Salt Lake City, Utah on January 1, 2004.
    • What AQI level was reached for particulate matter on January 1, 2004?
  2. Access the Weather Underground and obtain the weather conditions for Salt Lake City, Utah on January 1, 2004.
    • Record the weather data on the Student Worksheet.
  3. Graph the data below recorded on January 1, 2004 at the Snowbird Ski Area, outside Salt Lake City, Utah.
Snowbird Snow Report
January 1, 2004
New Snow

Snow Depth
Mid-Mtn.

Snow Fall
Year to Date
Temperature
Wind
Hidden Peak
24 hr
48 hr
Tram Base
Mid-Mtn.
Hidden Peak
0"
0"
156"
412"
40F
32F
26F
51 mph
38F
Hi: 40F
Today's Forecast:
Overcast, unseasonably warm, with strong winds.
Lo: 33F
  1. Access the AirNow PM archives for Salt Lake City, Utah, on January 9, 2004.
    • What AQI level was reached for particulate matter on January 9, 2004?
  2. Access the Weather Underground and obtain the weather conditions for Salt Lake City, Utah on January 9, 2004.
    • Record the weather data on the Student Worksheet.
  3. Graph the data below recorded on January 9, 2004 at the Snowbird Ski Area, outside Salt Lake City, Utah.
Snowbird Snow Report
January 9, 2004
New Snow

Snow Depth
Mid-Mtn.

Snow Fall
Year to Date
Temperature
Wind
Hidden Peak
24 hr
48 hr
Tram Base
Mid-Mtn.
Hidden Peak
0.12"
0.3"
158"
414"
20F
24F
36F
9 mph
17F
Hi: 23F
Today's Forecast:
Mostly Cloudy, 10% chance of snow, light to no wind.
Lo: 10F

 

Part 2 - Real Time Data

  1. Use the following web sites to determine if there will be an inversion layer occurring in that area today:
    • AIRNow (select "Local Forecasts and Conditions" and click Utah on the US map)
    • Weather Underground (type "Snowbird, Utah" in the box in the upper left hand corner)
    • Snowbird Resort - Snowbird, Utah (just outside Salt Lake City)
      *Note - real time mountain conditions are not available during summer months

 

 

 

 

Learn More Teachers


EPA | NESCAUM | CIESE | Stevens Institute of Technology