The dry adiabatic lapse rate is ____ greater than the moist adiabatic lapse rate.
A) never
B) sometimes
C) always

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The dry adiabatic lapse rate is always greater than the moist adiabatic lapse rate. The dry adiabatic lapse rate is the rate of temperature decrease in unsaturated air as it rises, which is approximately 10°C per 1000 meters of ascent. The moist adiabatic lapse rate is the rate of temperature decrease in saturated air as it rises, which is approximately 6°C per 1000 meters of ascent. This is due to the release of latent heat during the condensation process, which slows down the rate of cooling. Therefore, the dry adiabatic lapse rate is always greater than the moist adiabatic lapse rate.

The Dry Adiabatic Lapse Rate Is ____ Greater Than the Moist