Assume a warm air parcel, at sea level, has a temperature of 21°C (70°F) and begins to rise upward. Assume it becomes saturated at 1000 m (3300 ft) altitude, and continues to rise to 2000 m (6600 ft.) altitude. What would the approximate temperature of the parcel be at an elevation of 2000 m (6600 ft.)?
A) 1°C (44.6°F)
B) 5°C (46.4°F)
C) 8.2°C (48.2°F)
D) 9°C (41.°F)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The air parcel cools at the dry adiabatic lapse rate (10°C per 1000 m) until it reaches saturation at 1000 m, then cools at the moist adiabatic lapse rate (about 6°C per 1000 m) from 1000 m to 2000 m. Starting at 21°C, it cools to 11°C at 1000 m, then to approximately 5°C at 2000 m.

Assume a Warm Air Parcel, at Sea Level, Has a Temperature