Are departures from the normal tropospheric temperature profile they can trap pollutants near the ground?

Yes, departures from the normal tropospheric temperature profile, particularly temperature inversions, can trap pollutants near the ground. In a typical scenario, warmer air sits above cooler air, allowing pollutants to disperse. However, during an inversion, the warm air acts as a barrier, preventing the vertical mixing of air and causing pollutants to accumulate close to the surface, leading to deteriorated air quality.