How does mixing of air affect the Environmental Lapse Rate (ELR)?

The mixing of air has a significant impact on the Environmental Lapse Rate (ELR) by tending to even it out. When air layers mix, the thermal energy from warm air is distributed more evenly with the cooler air surrounding it. This process reduces temperature inversions where warmer air traps cooler air below, creating a more uniform temperature gradient.

In more stable environments, such as those under strong inversions, the ELR can be quite steep, leading to instability and potentially turbulent conditions when mixed. Conversely, when mixing occurs, particularly in unstable or convective situations, it can create a more balanced temperature profile, reflecting a moderate ELR that is closer to the standard atmospheric lapse rate of about 6.5°C per kilometer.

By promoting this balance, mixing acts to mitigate extremes in temperature variations with altitude, leading to a more consistent environmental lapse rate, which can enhance the stability of the atmosphere. Thus, the mixing of air contributes to a smoother gradient and a more uniform temperature structure in the atmosphere.