What is the impact of a temperature inversion on pesticide application?

A temperature inversion occurs when a layer of warm air traps cooler air at the surface, creating a situation where the normal temperature gradient is reversed. This phenomenon can significantly impact pesticide application due to its influence on air movement. Specifically, temperature inversions can trap pesticide aerosols in the lower air layers close to the surface, preventing them from dispersing properly into the atmosphere. As a result, this restriction can increase the likelihood of drift, where the pesticide is carried away from the target area by the light winds that may be present.

This trapped condition makes it challenging for applicators to control where the pesticide travels, heightening the risks associated with pesticide drift to non-target areas. Therefore, understanding the implications of a temperature inversion is crucial for effective and responsible aerial application, as it directly affects both the efficiency of the application and the potential environmental impact.

The other options either do not align with the characterization of temperature inversions or present consequences that do not accurately relate to how inversions affect pesticide behavior in the atmosphere.