Stability
The stability of the atmosphere is the property of the air to either enhance or suppress the vertical motion of air parcels.
- In a stable atmosphere, a lifted parcel of air will be cooler than the surrounding air, and thus is not prone to further upward movement.
- Likewise in an unstable atmosphere, a lifted parcel of air will be warmer than the surrounding air, and thus is prone to further upward movement.
Associated Weather
Very generally, the stability of the atmosphere determines what kind of weather is likely:
| Stable atmosphere | Unstable atmosphere | |
|---|---|---|
| Clouds | Stratiform | Cumuliform |
| Turbulence | Smooth | Rough |
| Precipitation | Steady | Showery |
| Visibility | Fair to poor | Good |