MLchartDataset catalogue

Static instability

Term · Meteorology and atmospheric science · MLC-T-MET-009214

A condition in the atmosphere where a vertically displaced air parcel continues to move in the direction of the displacement, rather than returning to its original position. This occurs when the environmental lapse rate is greater than the adiabatic lapse rate, leading to buoyant acceleration. Static instability is a prerequisite for the development of convective clouds and thunderstorms.

Table 1. Record
IdentifierMLC-T-MET-009214
FieldMeteorology and atmospheric science
See alsoInstability; Static stability
Record as JSON
{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-009214",
  "term": "Static instability",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definition": "A condition in the atmosphere where a vertically displaced air parcel continues to move in the direction of the displacement, rather than returning to its original position. This occurs when the environmental lapse rate is greater than the adiabatic lapse rate, leading to buoyant acceleration. Static instability is a prerequisite for the development of convective clouds and thunderstorms.",
  "see_also": [
    "instability",
    "static stability"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/static-instability/"
}

Record 9,034 of 10,756 in Meteorology and atmospheric science terminology (MLC-0110). Request the full dataset.