Atmospheric Stability

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Atmospheric Stability
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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

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Stable Situation
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Stable
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Stable
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Unstable
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Unstable
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Unstable
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Unstable
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Atmosphere Stability Varies
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Lava Lamp Instability