Cepe Town Source: http:/lsideplayer.com/slide/10180352/34/images/36/3. + High+Pressure+ Systems.jpal 2.4 Refer to FIGURE 2.4, based on inland temperature inversion. 2.4.1 What is temperature inversion? \[ (1 \times 1) \] 2.4.2 Which season is represented by the position of the inversion layer in sketch A? \[ (1 \times 1) \] 2.4.3 Draw a simple cross-section which will show the position of the temperature inversion in sketch B. \[ (2 \times 1) \] 2.4.4 Explain why the position of the inversion layer varies between winter and summer. \[ (2 \times 2) \] 2.4.5 In a paragraph of approximately EIGHT lines, evaluate the influence of the position of the inversion layer in sketch \( \mathbf{A} \) on the climate and how it impacts negatively on economic activities in the interior of South Africa. \( (4 \times 2) \) (8)

Below is a set of suggested answers to the questions: ────────────────────────────── 2.4.1 What is temperature inversion? Temperature inversion is an atmospheric condition where, contrary to the usual decrease in temperature with height, the air temperature increases with altitude over a certain layer. This means that a layer of relatively warm air overlays cooler air near the surface. ────────────────────────────── 2.4.2 Which season is represented by the position of the inversion layer in sketch A? Sketch A represents winter. In winter the inversion layer typically forms closer to the ground due to strong radiative cooling at the surface during long, clear nights. ────────────────────────────── 2.4.3 Draw a simple cross-section which will show the position of the temperature inversion in sketch B. Below is a simple representation using text. (Note: Clarify that this is a schematic illustration.) Inversion Layer ----------------- | | | Warm air | ----------------- ^ | (Inversion base level) v ----------------- <- Cooler air near surface | | | Cold air | ----------------- Ground level ────────────────────────────── 2.4.4 Explain why the position of the inversion layer varies between winter and summer. In winter, the ground loses heat rapidly overnight through radiative cooling, causing the air directly above it to become cooler than the air aloft. This leads to the formation of a low-lying inversion layer. In contrast, during summer, stronger surface heating causes convection; the warm air rises and mixes with the air above, so any inversion forms at a higher altitude or may even be disrupted by the turbulent mixing due to solar heating. Thus, seasonal differences in solar radiation and surface cooling rates control where the inversion layer develops. ────────────────────────────── 2.4.5 Evaluate the influence of the position of the inversion layer in sketch A on the climate and how it impacts negatively on economic activities in the interior of South Africa. The low-lying inversion layer in sketch A results in very stable atmospheric conditions during winter, where cooler air is trapped near the surface. This stability reduces vertical mixing, which leads to the accumulation of pollutants and can cause persistent air quality problems. In addition, the inversion prevents moisture from rising, contributing to the occurrence of fog and low cloud cover that diminish sunlight and further cool the surface. As a result, the climate in the interior becomes harsh with prolonged periods of cold and stagnant air. These conditions adversely affect agriculture by reducing the growing season and increasing the risks of frost damage. Poor air quality can also lead to health issues among the local workforce, reducing productivity. Transportation can be disrupted by fog and poor visibility, impacting the movement of goods and people. Overall, these climatic constraints raise operational costs and hinder the economic development of the region. ────────────────────────────── These responses combine key scientific principles with specific applications to the regional context outlined in the question.