4.3. Stability, Instability, and Neutral Conditions

Try these first

1. 1.

   What does the environmental lapse rate refer to?

   Hint

   Think about temperature changes as you move upward.

2. 2.

   Define stable conditions in the atmosphere.

   Hint

   Consider what happens to a balloon in the air.

3. 3.

   What is the dry adiabatic lapse rate approximately equal to?

   • -9.8°C/km
   • -6.5°C/km
   • -12°C/km

   Hint

   Remember the standard value given in class.

4. 4.

   Stable atmospheric conditions allow pollutants to disperse easily.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about what stability means in terms of air movement.

5. 5.

   Given an atmospheric scenario where pollution is trapped due to inversion, how would you suggest managing the pollution in urban areas?

   Hint

   Think about differences in pollutant spread depending on atmospheric conditions.

6. 6.

   How would the pollutant behavior differ if released during the day compared to nighttime under stable conditions?

   Hint

   Reflect on daytime heating versus nighttime cooling.