Drone Pilot Practice Exam

What characterizes a moist, unstable air mass?

1. Consistent Temperature

2. High Humidity with Turbulence

3. Clear Skies

4. Stable and Predictable Weather

The correct answer is: High Humidity with Turbulence

A moist, unstable air mass is characterized by high humidity alongside turbulence. When an air mass contains a significant amount of moisture, it is more prone to rising and cooling, which can lead to condensation and cloud formation. This process creates an environment where turbulence is common as warm, moist air rises and cools, leading to unstable atmospheric conditions. Additionally, because of the high humidity, when the air cools, it can lead to the development of clouds and potentially storms, further contributing to turbulence. Such air masses can also be responsible for dynamic weather changes, which is a hallmark of instability. The other options fail to accurately describe this air mass. Consistent temperature does not typically apply to moist, unstable air, as such air is subject to rapid temperature changes. Clear skies are often associated with stable air masses that do not encourage upward motion of air. Similarly, stable and predictable weather indicates an absence of the turbulence that moist, unstable air masses often cause. Therefore, the defining characteristics of moist, unstable air mass revolve around high humidity and associated turbulence.