AIR STABILITY

Question 1

What is air stability?

Answer 1

measures if the atmosphere resists or encourages vertical air motion. (stable, neutral, unstable)

Question 2

What direction of airflow is normal at the surface?

Answer 2

Horizontal

Question 3

What may disturbances of air cause?

Answer 3

vertical currents of air to develop.

Question 4

What may create vertical currents?

Answer 4

A change in temperature

Question 5

If the air that is displaced
resists the change, then it is said to be,,

Answer 5

Stable

Question 6

If the air that is displaced
does not resist the change, then it is said to be,,

Answer 6

unstable

Question 7

What is Stable air?

Answer 7

A mass of rising air cooler than the air that it comes in contact with, causing it to sink back to its original position.

Question 8

What are some characteristics of stable air?

Answer 8

poor low-level visibility (fog may occur)

stratus type cloud

steady precipitation

steady winds, which can change greatly with height

smooth flying conditions

Question 9

What is unstable air?

Answer 9

A mass of rising air warmer than the new air around it, causing the air mass to continue to rise.

Question 10

What are some characteristics of unstable air?

Answer 10

good visibility (except in precipitation)

cumulus type cloud

showery precipitation

gusty winds

moderate to severe turbulence.