Which of the following describes a conditionally unstable atmosphere?
A)stable with respect to unsaturated air and unstable with respect to saturated air
B)unstable with respect to unsaturated air and stable with respect to saturated air
C)unstable with respect to unsaturated air and unstable with respect to saturated air
D)stable with respect to unsaturated air and stable with respect to saturated air

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A conditionally unstable atmosphere is one that is stable for unsaturated air (meaning it resists vertical motion) but becomes unstable when the air is saturated (allowing for vertical motion and potentially leading to cloud formation and precipitation). This occurs because saturated air cools at a slower rate when lifted compared to unsaturated air, due to the release of latent heat from condensation.

Which of the Following Describes a Conditionally Unstable Atmosphere