Potential instability: Difference between revisions
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<div class="definition"><div class="short_definition">( | <div class="definition"><div class="short_definition">(''Also called'' convective instability, thermal instability.) The state of an unsaturated layer or column of air in the [[atmosphere]] with a [[wet-bulb potential temperature]] (or [[equivalent potential temperature]]) that decreases with [[elevation]].</div><br/> <div class="paragraph">If such a column is lifted bodily until completely saturated, it will become unstable (i.e., its [[temperature lapse rate]] will exceed the [[saturation-adiabatic lapse rate]]) regardless of its initial [[stratification]].</div><br/> </div><div class="reference">Saucier, W. J. 1955. Principles of Meteorological Analysis. 76–78. </div><br/> | ||
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Latest revision as of 14:53, 20 February 2012
potential instability
(Also called convective instability, thermal instability.) The state of an unsaturated layer or column of air in the atmosphere with a wet-bulb potential temperature (or equivalent potential temperature) that decreases with elevation.
If such a column is lifted bodily until completely saturated, it will become unstable (i.e., its temperature lapse rate will exceed the saturation-adiabatic lapse rate) regardless of its initial stratification.
Saucier, W. J. 1955. Principles of Meteorological Analysis. 76–78.
