Insolation & Temperature
Vertical Distribution of Temperature
Normal
Lapse Rate (
Environmental
lapse rate)
3.5° F / 1000 ft
.
Adiabatic
cooling and warming
When air ascends (rises), it expands & cools
Rising & expanding air changes likelihood of precipitation
When air decends & is compressed it compresses & warms
increases molecular collisions
heats and dries air
results in rainshadow
Dry Adiabatic
Lapse Rate
Temperature changes with altitude
5.6° F / 1000 ft
Until it reaches
dew point
Wet Adiabatic
Lapse Rate
Temperature changes with altitude
3.2° F / 1000 ft
Lower because
dew point
is condensation
Latent heat of condensation releases heat!
Lapse Rate Exercise
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Vertical
Distribution of Temperature Vertical
Distribution of Temperature 
