What phenomenon can increase the risk of pesticide drift during aerial application?

Temperature inversion is a meteorological phenomenon that can significantly increase the risk of pesticide drift during aerial application. During a temperature inversion, a layer of warm air traps cooler air near the ground. This situation can lead to unstable atmospheric conditions where pesticides that are applied can remain suspended in the cooler air instead of dissipating or being carried away by the wind.

When aerial applicators spray pesticides during such conditions, the drift potential is heightened because the trapped air does not mix well with the surrounding atmosphere. Instead of being dispersed, pesticide particles can move horizontally for long distances, unintentionally affecting nontarget areas. Understanding temperature inversions is crucial for aerial applicators, as they must monitor atmospheric conditions to minimize the risk of drift and ensure responsible pesticide application.