In stable air masses, which visibility condition is common?

In stable air masses, the common visibility condition is often characterized by the presence of smoke, dust, and haze concentrated at lower levels. This phenomenon occurs because stable air minimizes vertical mixing, leading to a buildup of pollutants and particulate matter near the ground. The stability inhibits the rise of air masses, which means that any moisture, smoke, or dust that might otherwise disperse tends to linger in the lower atmosphere, reducing visibility.

Stable air is typically associated with inversions, where warmer air traps cooler air at the surface. This can exacerbate the concentration of pollutants and contribute to reduced visibility conditions. In contrast, clear skies usually lead to good visibility, while towering cumulus clouds, severe turbulence, and thunderstorms are indicators of unstable atmospheric conditions and are not typical of stable air masses. Thus, the presence of smoke, dust, and haze at lower levels is a hallmark of stable air mass environments.