What is an adiabatic lapse rate?
Quick Answer
An adiabatic lapse rate is the rate at which air cools or warms as it rises or sinks without exchanging heat with its surroundings. It is a key idea in cloud formation and atmospheric stability.
The Full Story
As air rises, it expands because pressure decreases with altitude, and expansion causes cooling. Dry air typically cools at about 9.8°C per kilometer, while moist air cools more slowly because condensation releases latent heat. These rates help meteorologists predict whether air will keep rising to form clouds and storms. The adiabatic lapse rate is central to understanding why the atmosphere can be stable in some situations and turbulent in others.
Key Facts
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"Why rising air cools itself and sometimes builds a thunderstorm."
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