Suppose the surface air temperature is 66$\degree$F. If the base of a cumulus congestus cloud directly above you is 2,000 feet, what would be the approximate temperature at an altitude of 5,000 feet above you inside the cloud? (Hint: the dry adiabatic rate is 5.5$\degree$F per 1,000 feet, the moist adiabatic rate is 3.0$\degree$F per 1,000 feet.)
A) 55$\degree$F
B) 49$\degree$F
C) 46$\degree$F
D) 41$\degree$F
E) 32$\degree$F

Question

​Suppose the surface air temperature is 66$\degree$F. If the base of a cumulus congestus cloud directly above you is 2,000 feet, what would be the approximate temperature at an altitude of 5,000 feet above you inside the cloud? (Hint: the dry adiabatic rate is 5.5$\degree$F per 1,000 feet, the moist adiabatic rate is 3.0$\degree$F per 1,000 feet.)
A) ​55$\degree$F
B) ​49$\degree$F
C) ​46$\degree$F
D) ​41$\degree$F
E) ​32$\degree$F

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The temperature decreases by 5.5°F per 1,000 feet up to the cloud base (2,000 feet), then by 3.0°F per 1,000 feet inside the cloud. Calculate the temperature at 5,000 feet: 66°F - (5.5°F * 2) - (3.0°F * 3) = 46°F.

​Suppose the Surface Air Temperature Is 66 °\degree° F If the Base of a Cumulus Congestus Cloud Directly

Suppose the Surface Air Temperature Is 66 $\degree$ F If the Base of a Cumulus Congestus Cloud Directly