A conditionally unstable atmosphere mainly occurs when __________.
A)an air parcel temperature is lower than the surrounding air
B)an air parcel temperature is higher than the surrounding air
C)an air parcel is unsaturated near the ground and saturated higher up
D)an air parcel temperature is equal to the surrounding air near the ground

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A conditionally unstable atmosphere occurs when an air parcel is unsaturated near the ground and becomes saturated as it rises. This is because unsaturated air cools at a different rate (dry adiabatic lapse rate) compared to saturated air (moist adiabatic lapse rate), leading to instability under certain conditions.

A Conditionally Unstable Atmosphere Mainly Occurs When __________