Geography 2310A/B Study Guide - Lapse Rate, Fluid Parcel, Potential Temperature
26 Nov 2014
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The dry adiabatic lapse rate is 9. 8 c/ km ( generally rounded to 10 c/ km). The average value of the saturated adiabatic lapse rate is 6 c/ km. The dew- point temperature lapse rate is approximately 1. 8 c/ km. As an unsaturated air parcel rises, it follows the dry adiabat corresponding to its air temperature at the surface, and the isohume corresponding to its dew- point temperature at the surface. This shows that as unsaturated air rises, its temperature and dew- point temperature decrease, while its potential temperature and mixing ratio remain constant. The lcl of this air parcel is the point where these two lines intersect. Above the lcl, the air parcel is saturated. As saturated air rises, it follows a saturated adiabat. As the water vapour mixing ratio decreases, the amount of liquid water in the cloud increases. Cin- convective inhibition- the amount of energy required to lift a parcel from the surface to the lfc.
