What meteorological phenomenon can cause spray drift particles to be suspended and move over long distances before settling?

A temperature inversion is the correct answer because it refers to a meteorological condition in which a layer of warm air traps cooler air close to the ground. This can significantly affect how particulates, such as spray drift from agricultural spraying, behave in the atmosphere. During an inversion, the stable layering of air prevents the vertical mixing that typically occurs in the atmosphere, allowing particulate matter to remain suspended for longer periods. This can result in particles being transported over considerable distances before eventually settling back down.

Furthermore, in stable conditions created by an inversion, the lack of turbulence allows drift particles to remain airborne without being dispersed, which can lead to increased risks of exposure in areas far from the original application site. This concept is vital for understanding how air quality can be influenced by meteorological conditions, particularly in agricultural and environmental contexts.