Instability: The state of equilibrium in which a parcel of air when displaced has a tendency to move further away from its original position. It is the condition of the atmosphere when spontaneous convection and severe weather can occur. Air parcels, when displaced vertically, will accelerate upward, often forming cumulus clouds and possibly thunderstorms.

 

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Instability: The state of equilibrium in which a parcel of air when displaced has a tendency to move further away from its original position. It is the condition of the atmosphere when spontaneous convec . . . View Full Definition

Conditional Instability: Stable unsaturated air that will result in instability in the event or on the condition that the air becomes saturated. If the air is saturated, it is considered unstable; if air is unsatura . . . View Full Definition

Absolute Instability: When the lapse rate of a column of air is greater than the dry adiabatic lapse rate. The term absolute is used because this applies whether or not the air is dry or saturated.

Tank Slapper: A rapid, high intensity oscillation of the handlebars (literally, slapping the tank side to side). It is a condition of dynamic instability, such as hard acceleration out of a bumpy corner. . . . View Full Definition