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Article 9 - Volume 36/1 - 2026

Paper title:

Preliminary research on thermal inversions occurring in the Northeast Region of Romania

Author(s):

Andrei MIHALACHE1,2, Dumitru MIHĂILĂ2,3, Petruț-Ionel BISTRICEAN2,3, Elena MEDEI (POP)1

1 Doctoral School of Applied Sciences and Engineering, "Ștefan cel Mare" University of Suceava, Romania
2 Center for Applied Geography Research (GeA-USV)
3 Department of Geography, "Ștefan cel Mare" University of Suceava, Romania

Pages:

121 - 140

Publishing date:

8 December 2025

Abstract:

This study represents preliminary research on thermal inversions in the Northeast Region of Romania (RNER). Thermal and hygrometric monitoring was carried out in six areas (with two pairs of observation points each – one located in a depression/valley; the other on a neighbouring hill/peak), where sensors were installed in special shelters to record hourly temperature and relative humidity data between 01.01.2025 and 10.03.2025. Of the six areas studied, the thermal inversions with the highest frequency, duration, and intensity occurred in the Vatra Dornei depression (52.6% of the total hours recorded), and those with the lowest frequency, duration, and intensity occurred in the Târgu Ocna depression (7.7% of the time). The most favorable hours for the occurrence of the inversion phenomenon were 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 a.m. The high frequency and intensity of thermal inversions generate varying degrees of meteorological and climatic risk, discomfort for people, and disruption to socio-economic activities.

Keywords:

Temperature inversions, climate risks, Northeast Region, Romania