Insolation & Temperature

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 & warms air

increases molecular collisions
- increases heat 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

Lapse Rate Lab Exercise

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