If your environmental lapse rate is 7 C/km on a partly cloudy afternoon, then the atmosphere is said to be:
A) conditionally unstable.
B) absolutely stable.
C) absolutely unstable.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A lapse rate of 7 C/km indicates that the atmosphere is conditionally unstable. This means that if an air parcel were lifted from the surface to a certain level, it would be warmer than the surrounding air and continue to rise on its own. However, if it were lifted further, it would eventually cool to the point where it becomes colder than the surrounding air and sinks back down. This creates a cycle of rising and sinking air parcels, which can lead to cloud development and potentially thunderstorms.

If Your Environmental Lapse Rate Is 7 C/km on a Partly