Why is the “Saturated Adiabatic Lapse Rate” (SALR) lower than the “Dry Adiabatic Lapse Rate” (DALR)?
Dry air cools at about 10°C per kilometer (DALR). However, when rising air is saturated, water vapor condenses into liquid droplets. This chemical change releases “latent heat” into the air parcel. This extra heat partially offsets the cooling process, making the wet air cool down more slowly (about 6°C per kilometer) compared to dry air. ANSWER: (B) Latent heat of condensation is released
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This difference is the “engine” behind massive thunderstorms. As a moist air parcel rises and cools, it eventually hits 100% humidity. At this point, water vapor turns into water droplets. Condensation is an exothermic process, meaning it releases heat energy that was stored when the water originally evaporated. This added warmth keeps the rising air parcel warmer than the surrounding clear air for a longer time. Because it stays warmer and lighter, it continues to rise even higher, creating towering cumulonimbus clouds. This latent heat release is the secret fuel that powers hurricanes and severe weather.
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