trade-wind inversion

(meteorology) A characteristic temperature inversion usually present in the trade-wind streams over the eastern portions of the tropical oceans: it is formed by broad-scale subsidence of air from high altitudes in the eastern extremities of the subtropical highs; while descending, the current meets the opposition of the low-level maritime air flowing equatorward; the inversion forms at the meeting point of these two strata which flow horizontally in the same direction.

A temperature inversion, found in the tropics at heights of between 3000 and 2000 m, caused by descending air of the Hadley circulation. This inversion acts as a ceiling for pollution, an effect which is marked in cities with heavy motor traffic, such as Los Angeles. See photochemical smog.