A stable air mass is likely to exhibit which of the following?

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A stable air mass is characterized by its resistance to vertical motion, which leads to very different weather conditions compared to unstable air masses. When an air mass is stable, it typically results in a well-defined stratus cloud layer and limited vertical development. This stability acts to inhibit convection and usually restricts the development of clouds that result in significant precipitation, such as showers or storms.

In stable conditions, one of the notable effects can be poor surface visibility, often due to fog or haze. This is because stable air is often associated with temperature inversions where cooler air is trapped beneath a layer of warmer air. These conditions can lead to the accumulation of pollutants and moisture, resulting in decreased visibility.

Other options, such as showery precipitation, turbulent air, and cumulus clouds, are more indicative of unstable air masses. Showery precipitation occurs when air is rising rapidly, leading to the formation of cumuliform clouds that develop vertically and can produce showers. Turbulent air is common in unstable conditions where thermal activity is present, and cumulus clouds signify active convection which is characteristic of unstable air.

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