GEOG 3010 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Lapse Rate, Vapor Pressure, Wet-Bulb Temperature
Document Summary
Small parcels of air rise and sink independent of their environment a. ii. Adiabatic process: change of temperature/pressure without energy exchange: atmospheric stability b. i. Clouds form as air rises and cools b. ii. Dry adiabatic lapse rate: 10 degrees c per 1000 m b. iii. Saturated adiabatic lapse rate: 6 degrees c per 1000 m b. iv. Stable atmosphere: equilibrium in terms of vertical air movement: determining stability c. i. Environmental lapse rate: observed temperature profile of atmosphere c. iv. Compare lapse rates of parcel and environment: absolutely stable environment d. i. Environmental lapse rate < saturated lapse rate d. ii. Air parcel forced to rise horizontal spread stratus clouds d. iii. Usually cool air near surface, formed by d. iii. 1. Inversion-warm air over cold air at ground level d. iv. 1. Commonly formed under high pressure cells with sinking motions d. iv. 2. A layer of the atmosphere compresses as it sinks stable d. iv. 3. Traps air pollution because of the lack of vertical motion: absolutely unstable environment e. i.
