2.3. Adiabatic Expansion and Cooling

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is the adiabatic lapse rate in °C per meter?

   Hint

   Think of the rate of temperature change with height.

2. 2.

   Define adiabatic expansion.

   Hint

   Consider what happens when air goes up.

3. 3.

   What is the adiabatic lapse rate?

   • 0.0098 °C/m
   • -0.0098 °C/m
   • 1 °C/m

   Hint

   Remember the constant value associated with adiabatic expansion.

4. 4.

   True or False: Potential temperature is the same as the actual temperature.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about what 'potential' means in this context.

5. 5.

   Given an air parcel at 1000 m with a temperature of 15 °C, how will its temperature change when it rises to 2000 m?

   Hint

   Calculate the temperature drop using the lapse rate.

6. 6.

   Explain how the height of mixing can vary based on seasonal changes and its impact on air quality.

   Hint

   Consider how seasonal temperature variations affect mixing height.