3. Stability

Determining Stability » Potential Instability Superadiabatic Lapse Rates from Layer Lifting

Sounding with a dry-type inversion at 750-800 hPa

In evaluating the effect of lifting potentially unstable layers, one sometimes finds cases where a superadiabatic lapse rate appears to result. This may occur when the moisture content decreases sharply with height, as in "dry-type inversions." These conditions are frequently associated with subsidence and trade-wind inversions.

On this sounding, click the layer that you think is most likely to become superadiabatic with 100 hPa of lifting, as might occur with the passage of a fast-moving cold front.