The moist adiabatic rate is different from the dry adiabatic rate because:
A) saturated air is always unstable.
B) a parcel of saturated air weighs less than a parcel of unsaturated air.
C) latent heat is released inside a parcel of rising saturated air.
D) unsaturated air is always stable.
E) an unstable air parcel expands more rapidly.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The moist adiabatic rate is different from the dry adiabatic rate because latent heat is released inside a parcel of rising saturated air. This heat release causes the temperature to not cool as quickly as it would in unsaturated air, leading to a different rate of cooling and a different rate of temperature change with height.

The Moist Adiabatic Rate Is Different from the Dry Adiabatic