The difference between "moist" and "dry" adiabatic rates is a result of the fact that _______.
A)saturated air is always unstable
B)an unsaturated air parcel expands more rapidly than a saturated air parcel
C)moist air weighs less than dry air
D)latent heat is released by a rising parcel of saturated air
E)moist air weighs more than dry air

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The difference between "moist" and "dry" adiabatic rates is due to the release of latent heat in a rising parcel of saturated air. This release of latent heat occurs because water vapor condenses into liquid water as the air cools, releasing energy and thus affecting the rate at which the air cools as it rises.

The Difference Between "Moist" and "Dry" Adiabatic Rates Is a Result