What happens to temperature with increased elevation during an inversion event?

During an inversion event, temperature behaves differently compared to the typical decrease in temperature with increased elevation. Inversions occur when a layer of warmer air traps cooler air at lower altitudes. This results in a situation where the air temperature actually increases with elevation within the inversion layer, contrary to the standard lapse rate where temperature typically decreases with height.

Inversions can lead to stable atmospheric conditions, which may hinder vertical mixing. This unique scenario is critical for understanding fire behavior, as it can affect how heat and smoke disperse during a wildland fire. Recognizing that temperature increases with elevation in this specific context is essential for predicting fire spread and behavior during an inversion event.