Topic #4 - Rising and Sinking Air, Atmospheric Stability

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wYou can earn an additional 4 pts for correctly completing an Atmospheric Stability Worksheet (see example)
   (click here to download the worksheet in Microsoft WORD format)

This is not an easy topic.  In the first section of reading (pps 143-145), don't worry too much about the 1st law of thermodynamics and the equations on p. 143.  Your goal should be to understand the terms adiabatic, dry adiabatic lapse rate (what does the term lapse rate mean?), lifting condensation level, an saturated (or moist) adiabatic lapse rate.  How does the environmental lapse rate differ from those other two lapse rates?

In the second reading section (pps 160-163) you should try to understand the difference between absolutely unstable air, absolutely stable conditions, and conditional instability.

Content
Your Topic #4 report should briefly explain why rising air cools (don't worry so much about why sinking air warms); explain stable and unstable equilibria; explain the difference between the environmental lapse rate, and the dry & moist (rising parcel) lapse rates; mention the conditions that make the atmosphere stable, unstable, and conditionally unstable.

Writing Quality
Explain the material in your own words - your report should be your understanding and explanation of the material.  Avoid generalites, try to  should include specific details and examples from the reading sections.  The separate sections or paragraphs of your paper should blend together into one seamless coherent report.  Your report should be nearly free of misspelled words and grammatical errors.