In a conditionally unstable atmosphere,the environmental lapse rate will be ____ than the moist adiabatic rate and ____ than the dry adiabatic rate.
A) greater,less
B) greater,greater
C) less,greater
D) less,less

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In a conditionally unstable atmosphere, the air parcel will only rise if it is saturated (has reached its dew point) and will continue to rise at a slower rate than the moist adiabatic rate. This means the environmental lapse rate (ELR) is greater than the moist adiabatic rate. However, if the air parcel is not saturated, the air parcel will become cooler than the surrounding air, so it will not rise. This makes the ELR less than the dry adiabatic rate. Therefore, the correct option is A) greater, less.

In a Conditionally Unstable Atmosphere,the Environmental Lapse Rate Will Be