4 km D. 3 km C. E. 2 km Windward Leeward B. 1 km А. G. Sea level Temperature at Point A = 27°C Dew point temperature at Point A = 17°C Dry adiabatic rate = 10°C/km Wet adiabatic rate = 5°C/km
The accompanying diagram shows air flowing from the ocean over
a coastal mountain range. Assume that the dew-point temperature
remains constant in dry air (air having a relative humidity less than 100
percent). If the air parcel becomes saturated, the dew-point temperature
will cool at the wet adiabatic rate as it ascends, but it will not
change as the air parcel descends. Use this information to complete
the following:
a. Determine the air temperature and dew-point temperature for the
air parcel at each location (B–G) shown on the diagram.
b. At what elevation will clouds begin to form (with relative humidity
5 100 percent)?
c. Compare the air temperatures at points A and G. Why are they
different?
d. How did the water vapor content of the air change as the parcel
of air traversed the mountain? (Hint: Compare dew-point
temperatures.)
e. On which side of the mountain might you expect lush vegetation,
and on which side would you expect desert-like conditions?
f. Where in the United States might you find a situation like what is
pictured here?
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