Conditional symmetric instability, or CSI, is a form of convective instability in a fluid subject to temperature differences in a uniform rotation frame of reference while it is thermally stable in the vertical and dynamically in the horizontal (inertial stability). The instability in this case develop only in an inclined plane with respect to the two axes mentioned and that is why it can give rise to a so-called "slantwise convection" if the air parcel is almost saturated and moved laterally and vertically in a CSI area. This concept is mainly used in meteorology to explain the mesoscale formation of intense precipitation bands in an otherwise stable region, such as in front of a warm front.[1][2] The same phenomenon is also applicable to oceanography.
- ^ "Slantwise convection". Meteorology Glossary. American Meteorological Society. Retrieved August 23, 2019.
- ^ "Symmetric instability". Meteorology Glossary. American Meteorological Society. Retrieved August 23, 2019.