A system with an environmental lapse rate of 5°C/1000 m and a dry adiabatic of 10°C is_____ .
A) stable
B) stormy
C) low pressure
D) unstable

Question

A system with an environmental lapse rate of 5°C/1000 m and a dry adiabatic of 10°C is_____  .
A) stable
B) stormy
C) low pressure
D) unstable

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the environmental lapse rate is less than the dry adiabatic lapse rate (5°C/1000 m vs. 10°C/1000 m), the atmosphere is considered stable because air that rises will cool at a faster rate than the surrounding air, making it denser and causing it to sink back to its original position.

A System with an Environmental Lapse Rate of 5°C/1000 M