Suppose the surface air temperature is 66 degrees Fahrenheit. 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 degrees Fahrenheit per 1,000 feet; the moist adiabatic rate is 3.0 degrees Fahrenheit per 1,000 feet.)
A)55 degrees Fahrenheit
B)49 degrees Fahrenheit
C)46 degrees Fahrenheit
D)41 degrees Fahrenheit
E)32 degrees Fahrenheit

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To find the temperature at 5,000 feet above you inside the cloud, first, calculate the temperature decrease up to the cloud base using the dry adiabatic rate, then calculate the decrease within the cloud using the moist adiabatic rate. From the surface to the cloud base (2,000 feet), the temperature decreases by 2,000 feet * 5.5°F/1,000 feet = 11°F. So, at the cloud base, the temperature is 66°F - 11°F = 55°F. From the cloud base to 5,000 feet above (3,000 feet further), the temperature decreases by 3,000 feet * 3.0°F/1,000 feet = 9°F. Therefore, at 5,000 feet above you inside the cloud, the temperature is 55°F - 9°F = 46°F.

Suppose the Surface Air Temperature Is 66 Degrees Fahrenheit