Lapse rate, dry adiabats, moist adiabats

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In summary, the conversation discusses the potential change in lapse rate from a moist adiabatic lapse rate to a dry lapse rate in Central California due to global warming. The difference in slopes between the two rates is mentioned, with the conclusion that the lapse rate would decrease if transitioning from a moist to a dry adiabat. The conversation also briefly touches on the mathematical definition of lapse rate and the relationship between altitude and temperature in each type of adiabat.
  • #1
TheMathNoob
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Homework Statement


With the drying out of Central California with global warming, the lapse rate may change from a moist adiabatic lapse rate to a dry lapse rate. Does this mean the lapse rate would decrease or increase?

Homework Equations


https://www.google.com/search?q=moi...ozE39a0yAIVTJUNCh01TA_T#imgrc=TVgSQ4ZODxnXTM:

The Attempt at a Solution


I can see what the difference of the slopes are. I would say that moist adiabat has a higher lapse rate than the dry diabat. Therefore if we go from Moist adiabat to Dry adiabat then the lapse rate would decrease.
 
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  • #2
Is lapse rate quoted as ##\Delta \theta / \Delta h## or the other way around? Which is Y and which is X on the graph you are looking at?
 
  • #3
haruspex said:
Is lapse rate quoted as ##\Delta \theta / \Delta h## or the other way around? Which is Y and which is X on the graph you are looking at?
Sorry, do not pay attention to that picture, the lapse rate is change of altitude over the change of temperature.
 
  • #5
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TheMathNoob said:
Right! thank you, so it would increase, In the dry adiabat if we go down for example 5 kilometers then t will raise to x and in the moist adiabat if we go down to 5 then t will just raise to a value that is smaller than x.
Yes.
 

Related to Lapse rate, dry adiabats, moist adiabats

1. What is the lapse rate?

The lapse rate is the rate at which the temperature of the atmosphere changes with increasing altitude. It is often expressed in degrees Celsius per kilometer or degrees Fahrenheit per thousand feet.

2. What is a dry adiabat?

A dry adiabat is a line on a thermodynamic diagram that represents the change in temperature of a parcel of dry air as it rises or descends in the atmosphere without exchanging any heat with its surroundings. It assumes that the parcel is not saturated with water vapor and therefore does not condense or release latent heat.

3. What is a moist adiabat?

A moist adiabat is a line on a thermodynamic diagram that represents the change in temperature of a parcel of air as it rises or descends in the atmosphere while exchanging heat with its surroundings. It takes into account the condensation or evaporation of water vapor, which releases or absorbs latent heat and affects the temperature change of the parcel.

4. How do dry and moist adiabats differ?

Dry and moist adiabats differ in their slope on a thermodynamic diagram. A dry adiabat has a steeper slope compared to a moist adiabat because it does not account for the release or absorption of latent heat through condensation or evaporation. Additionally, the dry adiabat represents the temperature change of a parcel of dry air, while the moist adiabat represents the temperature change of a parcel of air with varying levels of water vapor content.

5. Why are dry and moist adiabats important in meteorology?

Dry and moist adiabats are important in meteorology because they help us understand the processes that drive changes in temperature and moisture in the atmosphere. They are used to analyze and forecast weather patterns, particularly in vertical atmospheric motions such as convection. They also play a role in determining the stability of the atmosphere, which is crucial for predicting severe weather events.

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