When the environmental lapse rate is between the moist adiabatic rate and the dry adiabatic rate is a situation known as ____.
A)an absolutely unstable atmosphere
B)an absolutely stable atmosphere
C)a subsidence inversion
D)neutral stability
E)a conditionally unstable atmosphere

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A conditionally unstable atmosphere occurs when the environmental lapse rate (the rate at which air temperature decreases with an increase in altitude) is between the moist adiabatic rate (the rate at which saturated air cools as it rises) and the dry adiabatic rate (the rate at which unsaturated air cools as it rises). This means that whether the atmosphere is stable or unstable depends on the moisture content of the rising air parcel.

When the Environmental Lapse Rate Is Between the Moist Adiabatic