Chapter 31, Problem 13RQ

To determine

The characteristic of clouds that have vertical development.

Answer to Problem 13RQ

The characteristics of clouds that have vertical development are of unstable air and it depends on the adiabatic lapse (rate of cooling) of air as it reaches high altitudes.

Explanation of Solution

The air takes heat from the surface of the Earth (by conduction) that is in direct exposure of the Sun. The warm air as are less dense and less moisture content move vertically upward. This vertical development of air high up in the sky also depends on the adiabatic lapse (rate of cooling) of air. If the adiabatic lapse of the air is less, then it cools less up in the high altitudes and so, the clouds become highly unstable in this case.

The air, when moves up in the sky, starts cooling. And when the temperature of the air reaches the dew point temperature, condensation forms. If the measured adiabatic lapse rate is less than the wet one, the air is said to be stable and if it is greater than the wet one, then it is said to be unstable.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the characteristics of clouds that have vertical development are of unstable air and it depends on the adiabatic lapse (rate of cooling) of air as it reaches high altitudes.