Orographic Lifting and Air Properties

Professor Courter explains the concept of orographic lifting, where air rises over mountains, focusing on the windward and leeward sides. The windward side faces prevailing winds, leading to higher humidity and precipitation, while the leeward side is drier, often forming deserts. The lecture covers how air temperature changes affect relative humidity and cloud formation, introducing the condensation level. A mathematical problem is presented to calculate temperature changes in rising and descending air parcels using the Dry Adiabatic Rate (DAR) and Wet Adiabatic Rate (WAR).

What is the primary reason air rises over a mountain in orographic lifting?

• The air cannot pass through the mountain.

• The air is pushed by ocean currents.

• The air is heated by the sun.

• The air is attracted by the mountain's magnetic field.

Which side of the mountain is typically wetter due to rising air?

• Southern side

• Windward side

• Leeward side

• Northern side

What happens to the air as it descends on the leeward side of a mountain?

• It remains at the same temperature.

• It cools and becomes less humid.

• It warms and becomes less humid.

• It cools and becomes more humid.

What is the term used to describe the dry area on the leeward side of a mountain?

• Cloud cover

• Windward zone

• Humidity belt

• Rain shadow

At what point does a rising parcel of air become saturated?

• When it reaches the condensation level

• When it descends to sea level

• When it reaches the top of the mountain

• When it is heated by the sun

What is the relative humidity of air at the condensation level?

• 75%

• 50%

• 100%

• 0%

What is the temperature change rate used when no cloud is forming as air rises?

• 2.5 degrees Fahrenheit per 1000 feet

• 5.5 degrees Fahrenheit per 1000 feet

• 4.5 degrees Fahrenheit per 1000 feet

• 3.3 degrees Fahrenheit per 1000 feet

Which rate is used to calculate temperature change when a cloud is forming?

• DAR

• WAR

• SAR

• CAR

What is the initial temperature of the air parcel at sea level in the math problem?

• 60 degrees

• 68 degrees

• 72 degrees

• 80 degrees

What is the final elevation of the air parcel after descending on the leeward side?

• 6000 feet

• 11,000 feet

• 3000 feet

• Sea level