When air is unstable,the environmental lapse rate is ________.
A)less than the wet adiabatic rate
B)zero
C)greater than the dry adiabatic rate
D)greater than both the wet and dry adiabatic rates

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When air is unstable, the environmental lapse rate is greater than the dry adiabatic rate because the parcel of air rising cools off at drier adiabatic rate and becomes cooler than the surrounding air, leading to further instability and upward movement. This results in a faster rate of cooling known as the environmental lapse rate, which is typically between 6 and 10 °C per 1000 meters. The wet adiabatic rate is less than both the dry adiabatic and environmental lapse rates because as the parcel of air rises and cools to its dew point, the moisture condenses, releasing latent heat, which slows down the cooling rate.

When Air Is Unstable,the Environmental Lapse Rate Is ________