Which is a characteristic of stable air?

Which is a characteristic of stable air?

• A. Cumuliform clouds.
• B. Excellent visibility.
• C. Restricted visibility.
• D. Frequent thunderstorms.

Answer: (C)

Stable air is characterized by a tendency to resist vertical motion, which usually leads to certain weather phenomena. In stable air, the atmosphere is relatively calm and lacks the rising currents that are necessary for the development of cumulus clouds and thunderstorms. When discussing visibility, stable air can support conditions that often lead to restricted visibility, particularly due to the presence of haze, fog, or low stratus clouds. This is in contrast to unstable air, where turbulent uplift can lead to clearer conditions and the formation of cumulus clouds with good visibility in between. In stable environments, the limited vertical motion also prevents the mixing of air layers, which can trap pollutants and moisture near the ground, further contributing to conditions of reduced visibility. Therefore, the characteristic of restricted visibility is a defining aspect of stable air.

Stable air is characterized by a tendency to resist vertical motion, which usually leads to certain weather phenomena. In stable air, the atmosphere is relatively calm and lacks the rising currents that are necessary for the development of cumulus clouds and thunderstorms.

When discussing visibility, stable air can support conditions that often lead to restricted visibility, particularly due to the presence of haze, fog, or low stratus clouds. This is in contrast to unstable air, where turbulent uplift can lead to clearer conditions and the formation of cumulus clouds with good visibility in between.

In stable environments, the limited vertical motion also prevents the mixing of air layers, which can trap pollutants and moisture near the ground, further contributing to conditions of reduced visibility. Therefore, the characteristic of restricted visibility is a defining aspect of stable air.