Chapter_06_Atmospheric_Stability

Question 1

What determines atmospheric stability?

Answer 1

The speed at which air parcels rise or sink.

Question 2

Define lapse rate.

Answer 2

The rate at which temperature decreases with height.

Question 3

What is a temperature inversion?

Answer 3

A negative lapse rate where temperature increases with height.

Question 4

Define an adiabatic process.

Answer 4

Cooling or warming of an air parcel solely due to expansion or compression without energy exchange with surroundings.

Question 5

Difference between Dry Adiabatic Lapse Rate (DALR) and Moist Adiabatic Lapse Rate (MALR)?

Answer 5

DALR (~10°C/km) is for unsaturated air; MALR (~6°C/km) is for saturated air, affected by latent heat release.

Question 6

What conditions lead to an absolutely stable atmosphere?

Answer 6

When Environmental Lapse Rate (ELR) is less than MALR.

Question 7

What are common cloud types in stable air?

Answer 7

Stratiform clouds like stratus and nimbostratus.

Question 8

How does atmospheric instability occur?

Answer 8

When ELR is greater than DALR.

Question 9

What promotes instability?

Answer 9

Surface warming, cooling aloft, and vertical mixing.

Question 10

What is the role of topography in cloud development?

Answer 10

Mountains force air parcels to rise, leading to adiabatic cooling and potential cloud formation.