Atmospheric Stability & Cloud Formation Flashcards
State at which temperatures are clouds composed of:
(a) SCWD
(b) mixture of SCWD and ice particles
(c) ice particles
(a) 0°C to -10°C
(b) -10 to -40°C
(c) below -40°C
What is the name of a process responsible for cloud formation?
Adiabatic cooling.
Define: adiabatic process.
The change of temperature due to pressure.
What is the value of DALR?
3°C per 1,000 ft.
What is the value of SALR?
1.8°C per 1,000 ft.
Define: dry adiabatic lapse rate.
The lapse rate of unsaturated air parcels.
Define: saturated adiabatic lapse rate.
The lapse rate of saturated air parcels.
Define: latent heat.
The amount of energy a parcel of air possesses that maintains its water content in vaporous form.
Define: dew point.
The point where a parcel of air no longer possesses the amount of energy (latent heat) required to maintain its water content in vaporous form.
How are DALR, SALR, and dew point related?
As altitude increases, air cools at DALR until it reaches the dew point, from which it cools at SALR.
What is the relationship between the dew point and ambient air temperature?
If the ambient air temperature cools and reaches the dew point value, condensation (visible moisture) begins.
Define: ELR.
The actual temperature distribution with height.
What determines whether a parcel of air continues to rise once uplifted?
If the parcel is less dense (warmer) than the surrounding air, it will continue to rise.
If the parcel is denser (colder) than the surrounding air, it will sink.
Define: stable atmosphere.
Atmosphere within which air sinks once uplifted.
Define: unstable atmosphere.
Atmosphere within which air continues to rise once uplifted.
