The saturated adiabatic lapse rate is a lesser lapse rate than the dry adiabatic lapse rate. This is because ________.
A) rain is occurring
B) "wet" air doesn't rise
C) the air must be stable
D) latent heat is being released
E) unsaturated air is descending

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The saturated adiabatic lapse rate is less than the dry adiabatic lapse rate because latent heat is released as water vapor condenses to form clouds or precipitation. This released heat slows the rate of cooling as saturated air rises.

The Saturated Adiabatic Lapse Rate Is a Lesser Lapse Rate