Meteorology

Adiabatic Lapse Rate

Definition

The rate at which a parcel of air changes temperature as it rises or descends without exchanging heat. Dry adiabatic rate is 3C per 1000 feet. Moist (saturated) rate is about 1.5-2C per 1000 feet.

Related Terms

Temperature Lapse Rate

The rate at which air temperature decreases with altitude. The standard lapse ra...

Atmospheric Stability

The tendency of the atmosphere to resist or enhance vertical motion. Stable air ...

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