The diagram in the next column shows air flowing from the ocean over a coastal mountain range Assume that the dew-point temperature remains constant in dry air (that is, relative humidity less than 100 percent) If the air parcel becomes saturated, the dew-point temperature will cool at the wet adiabatic rate as it ascends, but it will not change as the air parcel descends Use this information to complete the following
a. Determine the air temperature and dew-point temperature for the air parcel at each location (B-G) shown on the diagram
b. At what elevation will clouds begin to form (with relative humid., 5 100 percent)?
c. Compare the air temperatures at poi. A and G Why are they different?
d. How did the water vapor content of the air change as the parcel of air traversed mountain? (Hint Compare dew-point temperatures.)
e. On which side of the mountain might you expect lush vegetation and on which side would you expect desert-like conditions?
f. Where in the United States might you find a situation like what is pictured here?
