What is a characteristic of stable air?

Stable air is typically associated with stratiform clouds, which form in conditions where there is little vertical movement within the atmosphere. This type of cloud cover is generally uniform and appears as layered or sheet-like formations, indicating that the air is not conducive to significant vertical growth.

Stable air results from a temperature inversion, where a layer of warmer air traps cooler air at the surface, limiting updrafts and vertical motion. This stability leads to cloud formations that are primarily horizontal rather than vertical, as seen with cumulus clouds, which are more indicative of unstable air conditions.

Stratiform clouds often lead to steady, light precipitation rather than the heavy, showery rain associated with unstable air. The presence of stratiform clouds is an important characteristic when assessing weather patterns, particularly for unmanned aircraft operations, as it signifies more predictable and less turbulent flying conditions.