What does the Dry Adiabatic Lapse Rate (DALR) indicate for rising unsaturated air parcels?

Prepare for the New Zealand CPL Meteorology Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question offers hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

The Dry Adiabatic Lapse Rate (DALR) refers to the rate at which the temperature of a rising unsaturated air parcel decreases as it ascends in the atmosphere. This rate is approximately 3 degrees Celsius per 1000 feet. When unsaturated air rises, it expands due to reduced atmospheric pressure, which leads to cooling. This cooling occurs without any exchange of heat with the surrounding environment (adiabatic process), and it is a crucial concept in meteorology for understanding how air temperature changes with altitude.

Thus, the indication that temperature decreases by 3 degrees Celsius for every 1000 feet of ascent in rising unsaturated air parcels aligns perfectly with the established definition of the DALR. This relationship helps meteorologists predict cloud formation, weather patterns, and stability in the atmosphere.

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