stability Flashcards
1
Q
Stable atmosphere:
A
vertical motion suppressed
2
Q
Unstable Atmosphere:
A
Vertical motion enhanced
3
Q
What is the Dry adiabatic lapse rate
A
Unsaturated parcel
change in parcel temp/change height
10C/km
4
Q
Adiabatic process
A
A process that takes place w/o the transfer of heat
5
Q
What is moist adiabatic lapse rate
A
change in temp of sat parcel/ change in height
6C/km
6
Q
what is the environmental lapse rate
A
The actual change of air temperature with height
7
Q
How do absolutely stable conditions occur
A
Rising parcel of air is cooler than surrounding air and sinks back to its starting position
- Vertical motion resisted
- when ELR is small
8
Q
How absolutely unstable conditions happen
A
Rising parcel of air is warmer and more buoyant than surrounding air and continues to rise
