When the environmental lapse rate is greater than the dry adiabatic rate,_____ . A) surface air will rise and fall B) surface air will rise, form clouds, and fall C) surface air will rise and continue to rise D) surface air cannot rise and will be trapped beneath colder air above E) surface air will not rise because this is the normal condition

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the environmental lapse rate is greater than the dry adiabatic rate, it means the temperature of the atmosphere decreases with altitude at a rate faster than the cooling rate of a rising air parcel. This condition is unstable and encourages rising air to continue to rise, as it will always be warmer and less dense than its surroundings.

When the Environmental Lapse Rate Is Greater Than the Dry