Absolute instability

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-003183",
  "term": "Absolute instability",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definition": "An atmospheric condition where a parcel of air, if displaced vertically, will accelerate away from its original position, regardless of whether it is saturated or unsaturated. This occurs when the environmental lapse rate is greater than the dry adiabatic lapse rate. It leads to vigorous vertical motion and often to the formation of thunderstorms.",
  "see_also": [
    "parcel method",
    "conditional instability",
    "absolute stability",
    "autoconvection"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/absolute-instability/"
}