Author Question: Why does the adiabatic rate of cooling change when condensation begins? What will be an ideal ... (Read 53 times)

ARLKQ · **on:** Jul 14, 2018

Why does the adiabatic rate of cooling change when condensation begins?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Explain why the Great Basin area of the western United States is dry. What term is applied to this type of desert?

What will be an ideal response?

Joc · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 14, 2018

Answer to Question 1

The adiabatic rate of cooling changes when condensation begins because the latent heat of condensation stored in the water vapor is released, and it reduces the rate at which air cools. This is the wet adiabatic rate.

Answer to Question 2

The Great Basin is effectively cut off from the Pacific Ocean and its moisture by the Sierra Nevada Mountains. These mountains are a barrier that causes orographic lifting of moist air from the Pacific, and the lifting results in cloud formation and precipitation in the mountains. Once the air reaches the Great Basin, it is completely dry, making the Great Basin a feature known as a rainshadow desert.