Why is the parcel now warmer than it was at sea level on the windward side (what is the source of the heat energy)?

Assume that a parcel of air is forced to rise up and over a 4000-meter-high mountain (as shown). The initial temperature of the parcel at sea level is 30°C, and the lifting condensation level (LCL) of the parcel is 2000 meters. The DAR is 10°C/1000 m and the SAR is 6°C/1000 m. Assume that condensation begins at 100% relative humidity and that no evaporation takes place as the parcel descends.









What will be an ideal response?


The release of latent heat during condensation reduced the rate of cooling above the LCL on the windward side.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

You might also like to view...

Which of the following is not a significant volcanic hazard?

A) being overrun by a fast moving basaltic lava flow B) injury or death by inhalation of air heavily laden with volcanic ash C) a tsunami generated by a massive submarine volcanic eruption D) being caught in a river valley and being overcome by a volcanic mudflow/lahar

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

In the last 20 years geologists have begun measuring accumulation of Helium (He) in some minerals because these minerals can retain He at temperatures up 100-200°C. The "date" gives a time when the material cooled below the temperature where the helium began to be retained, which is related to the depth of the material. Where do you think the He comes from that allows this technique to work?

A) alpha decay of some radioactive element B) beta decay of some radioactive element C) the sun D) the atmosphere, like carbon-14

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

The Alpine Ranges encircle the Mediterranean coastlines, which have more temperate type C climates characterized by hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters.

a. true b. false

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

As minerals form in magma kept at a constant temperature, what happens to the viscosity of that magma?

A. It decreases. B. It remains the same. C. It increases briefly before decreasing quickly. D. It increases.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences