64.8k views
4 votes
What is the air temperature at 2,000 feet on the windward side of the Coast Range? What is the relative humidity? If the initial temperature of the air is 58 degrees F and the LCL is 2,000 feet. DALR is 5.5 degrees F/1000 and the SALR is 3.5 degreeF/1000 feet.

User Nitasha
by
7.8k points

1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

The temperature at 2,000 feet on the windward side of the Coast Range is 48 degrees F, and the relative humidity is 100%. This is due to adiabatic cooling, where the temperature drops as moist air rises and cools to the LCL, leading to cloud formation and precipitation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question is asking about the air temperature and relative humidity at 2,000 feet on the windward side of the Coast Range, given an initial temperature of 58 degrees Fahrenheit (F) at sea level and assuming the Lifted Condensation Level (LCL) is at 2,000 feet. Given the Dry Adiabatic Lapse Rate (DALR) is 5.5 degrees F per 1,000 feet, the temperature would decrease to 48 degrees F at 2,000 feet (58 F - (2 * 5.5 F)). The Relative Humidity at this altitude would be 100% as the air has reached the LCL, where condensation begins and clouds can form.

Furthermore, when discussing water vapor, relative humidity, and temperature changes, it is important to note that the relative humidity increases when the temperature decreases, assuming constant water vapor density. The given process exemplifies the impact of adiabatic cooling on moist air ascending a mountain range, leading to precipitation on the windward side and dry conditions on the leeward side, creating a rain shadow effect.

User Olivier Liechti
by
7.7k points