If the environmental lapse rate is less than the wet adiabatic lapse rate,then the atmosphere is:
A)absolutely stable.
B)absolutely unstable
C)conditionally unstable
D)cannot determine from this information.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If the environmental lapse rate (the decrease in temperature as altitude increases) is less than the wet adiabatic lapse rate (the rate at which saturated air cools as it rises), it means that the air is colder and denser at higher altitudes than it would be if it were saturated and rising. This creates a situation where any small upward movement of air will be cooled further and become denser than the surrounding air, preventing it from rising further. This stability prevents atmospheric convection, which results in clear skies and calm conditions.

If the Environmental Lapse Rate Is Less Than the Wet