Why is the wet adiabatic lapse less than the dry adiabatic lapse rate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The wet adiabatic lapse rate is less than the dry adiabatic lapse rate because when moist air rises and cools, water vapor condenses into liquid droplets. This process releases latent heat, which is then added to the surrounding air, slowing down the rate at which it cools. This causes the wet adiabatic lapse rate (the rate at which saturated air cools) to be smaller than the dry adiabatic lapse rate (the rate at which unsaturated air cools).

Why Is the Wet Adiabatic Lapse Less Than the Dry