Relative stability of parcels of air relative to the atmosphere that surrounds them. Three conditions are generally described: stable, unstable, and neutral.

The degree to which vertical motion in the atmosphere is enhanced or suppressed. Vertical motions and pollution dispersion are enhanced in an unstable atmosphere. Thunderstorms and active fire conditi [..]

A measure of the degree of atmospheric turbulence commonly defined in terms of the vertical temperature gradient. In neutral stability the gradient is equivalent to the Adiabatic Lapse Rate (ALR). Sta [..]

An indication of how easily a parcel of air is lifted. If the air is very stable it is difficult to make the parcel rise. If the air is very unstable the parcel may rise on its own once started.

the amount of resistance of a layer of air

Property of ambient air that either enhances (unstable) or suppresses (stable) vertical motion of air parcels; depends on the vertical temperature profile or sounding of the ambient air and whether air parcels are saturated (cloudy) or unsaturated (clear).

An indication of how easily a parcel of air