The difference between the "moist" and "dry" adiabatic rates is due to the fact that ____.
A) saturated air is always unstable
B) an unsaturated air parcel expands more rapidly than a saturated air parcel
C) moist air weighs less than dry air
D) latent heat is released by a rising parcel of saturated air

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The difference between the "moist" and "dry" adiabatic rates is primarily because latent heat is released when a parcel of air becomes saturated and condensation occurs. This release of latent heat reduces the rate at which the air cools as it rises, making the moist adiabatic lapse rate less than the dry adiabatic lapse rate.

The Difference Between the "Moist" and "Dry" Adiabatic Rates Is