STATIC STABILITY MEASURES IN THE ATMOSPHERE

Abstract

Various measures of static stability in the atmosphere are reviewed and their uses discussed. The mean vertical distribution of nine stability measures is given for 100-mb tropospheric layers and for selected stratospheric layers. The average geographical distribution over the United States is also discussed and illustrated for the measure (equation). The seasonal differences in stability distribution are discussed from January and July average data for forty-five United States radiosonde stations.