adiabatic lapse rate
Quick Summary
The adiabatic lapse rate refers to the rate at which a rising or sinking parcel of air changes temperature due to pressure changes, without exchanging heat with its surroundings. This is distinct from the environmental lapse rate, which is the actual temperature change observed with increasing altitude in the atmosphere.1
There are two types of adiabatic lapse rates for air:
- Dry adiabatic lapse rate: This is the rate at which unsaturated air cools as it rises or warms as it sinks. For Earth's atmosphere, this rate is approximately 9.8 °C per kilometer (28.3 °F per mile).1
- Moist adiabatic lapse rate: When air is saturated, rising air cools more slowly because condensation releases latent heat. This rate varies depending on the amount of water vapor present.1
The difference between adiabatic and environmental lapse rates is crucial for determining atmospheric stability, influencing cloud formation and turbulence.1
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atmosphereConvectionThis rate is called the adiabatic lapse rate (the rate of temperature change occurring within a rising or descending air parcel). In the ocean, the temperature increase with depth that results in free convection is dependent on the temperature, salinity, and depth of the water. For example, if the surface…
Read MoreThis rate is called the adiabatic lapse rate (the rate of temperature change occurring within a rising or descending air parcel). In the ocean, the temperature increase with depth that results in free convection is dependent on the temperature, salinity, and depth of the water. For example, if the surface…
Read More- atmospherePlanetary boundary layer
…temperature decreases at the dry adiabatic lapse rate (9.8 °C per kilometre, or roughly 23 °F per mile) throughout most of the boundary layer. Near Earth’s heated surface, air temperature decreases superadiabatically (at a lapse rate greater than the dry adiabatic lapse rate). In contrast, during clear, calm nights, turbulence…
Read More…temperature decreases at the dry adiabatic lapse rate (9.8 °C per kilometre, or roughly 23 °F per mile) throughout most of the boundary layer. Near Earth’s heated surface, air temperature decreases superadiabatically (at a lapse rate greater than the dry adiabatic lapse rate). In contrast, during clear, calm nights, turbulence…
Read More - climateVariation with height
This is the adiabatic lapse rate of temperature, which equals about 1 °C per 100 metres (about 2 °F per 300 feet) for dry air and 0.5 °C per 100 metres (about 1 °F per 300 feet) for saturated air, in which condensation (with liberation of latent heat)…
Read MoreThis is the adiabatic lapse rate of temperature, which equals about 1 °C per 100 metres (about 2 °F per 300 feet) for dry air and 0.5 °C per 100 metres (about 1 °F per 300 feet) for saturated air, in which condensation (with liberation of latent heat)…
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