Atmospheric stability
Pipeline Term
Atmospheric stability is a measure of the vertical turbulence within the atmosphere near the earth's surface. The Pasquill-Gifford classification of atmospheric stability ranges from A to F, with A being the most unstable (most turbulent) and F being the most stable (least turbulent). Turbulence tends to increase the rate of mixing and dispersion, so unstable conditions promote short vapor clouds and stable conditions promote long vapor clouds.