Convective instability

1. Convective
Instability
Yae Won Kim

2. Stability v. Instability
 Refers to air mass’ ability to resist vertical
motion.
 Instability means vertical air movements
are larger and more turbulent.
 This can then lead to severe weather such
as thunderstorms.

3. How?
 Occurs when dry mid-level air moves over
warm moist air in the lower atmosphere.
 Convection moves heat and water vapor
upwards while moving dry, cooler air to
lower levels.
 It continues to do this until the atmosphere
becomes stable.