Atmospheric Stability

Why is this Important?• A stable atmosphere is associated with air

pollution, fog, and strong surface temperature inversions in winter.

• An unstable atmosphere is associated with lots of atmospheric mixing, with good air quality and sometimes convection/thunderstorms.

• Meteorologists spend a lot of time trying to figure out whether the atmosphere will be stable or unstable

Stable Situation

Stable

Stable

Unstable

Unstable

Unstable

Unstable

Atmosphere Stability Varies

Lava Lamp: Instability