Atmospheric Stability and Lapse Rates

The video tutorial introduces the concepts of stability in atmospheric science, focusing on stable and unstable equilibrium. It explains the behavior of air parcels, including their expansion and compression, and the adiabatic processes involved. The tutorial differentiates between unsaturated and saturated air parcels and discusses how to determine atmospheric stability using lapse rates. Key learning objectives include understanding stability definitions, causes, and determination methods.

What happens to an object in a stable equilibrium when displaced?

• It stays in the new position.

• It oscillates around the new position.

• It returns to its original position.

• It moves further away from its original position.

How does an air parcel behave when it rises?

• It remains unchanged.

• It contracts and warms.

• It contracts and cools.

• It expands and cools.

What happens to an air parcel when it sinks?

• It remains unchanged.

• It contracts and warms.

• It expands and cools.

• It contracts and cools.

What is an adiabatic process?

• A process where heat is exchanged with the surroundings.

• A process where only heat is released.

• A process where no heat is exchanged with the surroundings.

• A process where only heat is absorbed.

What is the dry adiabatic lapse rate?

• 15 degrees Celsius per 1000 meters.

• 6 degrees Celsius per 1000 meters.

• 10 degrees Celsius per 1000 meters.

• 2 degrees Celsius per 1000 meters.

What is the environmental lapse rate?

• The rate at which wind speed changes with altitude in the atmosphere.

• The rate at which humidity changes with altitude in the atmosphere.

• The rate at which pressure changes with altitude in the atmosphere.

• The rate at which temperature changes with altitude in the atmosphere.

How does a saturated air parcel's temperature change with altitude?

• It changes by 10 degrees Celsius per 1000 meters.

• It changes by 6 degrees Celsius per 1000 meters.

• It does not change with altitude.

• It changes by 2 degrees Celsius per 1000 meters.

What is the lapse rate for dew point?

• 5 degrees Celsius per 1000 meters.

• 2 degrees Celsius per 1000 meters.

• 6 degrees Celsius per 1000 meters.

• 10 degrees Celsius per 1000 meters.

What defines a stable air parcel?

• It is more humid than the surrounding air.

• It is warmer than the surrounding air.

• It is cooler than the surrounding air.

• It has the same temperature as the surrounding air.

What characterizes an absolutely stable atmosphere?

• The environmental lapse rate is less than the moist adiabatic rate.

• The environmental lapse rate is greater than the moist adiabatic rate.

• The environmental lapse rate is equal to the dry adiabatic rate.

• The environmental lapse rate is equal to the moist adiabatic rate.