Question

19.11 The atmosphere is stable with a lapse rate of –0.2 °C/100 m. The surface air temperature is 15 °C. A parcel of air is released at the ground with a temperature of 25 °C. Calculate the maximum mixing height, in m.

Answer 1

The maximum mixing height in meters is 5,000 m

Step-by-step explanation:

In this question, we are expected to calculate the maximum mixing height in meters.

We identify the following parameters;

Lapse rate(L) = 0.2 °C/100 m = 0.002 °C/m (divide 0.2 by 100 to get this)

Mathematically;

Lapse rate(L) = Temperature difference/altitude (h)

Where the temperature difference is (25 °C -15 °C) = 10°C

Substituting this in the formula, we have;

0.002 = 10/h

h * 0.002 = 10

h = 10/0.002

Altitude(h) = 5,000 m