What typically occurs in stable atmospheric conditions?

In stable atmospheric conditions, there is typically little vertical movement of air. This stability occurs when a warm layer of air overlies cooler air at the surface, creating a temperature inversion. In such scenarios, the cooler air is trapped beneath the warmer layer, which inhibits the upward movement of air. Consequently, the air remains relatively stagnant, restricting the dispersion of pollutants and resulting in poor air quality in some cases.

This lack of vertical air movement contrasts with unstable conditions, where warmer air rises, allowing for significant mixing and dispersion of pollutants. In stable conditions, the potential for air pollutants to disperse horizontally may still exist, but without the vertical mixing, the pollutants can accumulate at lower altitudes. This phenomenon is why air quality can deteriorate under stable conditions, leading to the buildup of smog and other pollutants in the absence of strong winds or thermal convection.

While other options mention aspects like rapid mixing of air layers or pollutants dispersing quickly, these characteristics are typically associated with unstable atmospheric conditions, which allow for more dynamic and vigorous air movements. Therefore, the defining feature of stable atmospheric conditions is indeed the limited vertical movement of air.