An air mass of 25°C with a dew point of 10°C has a starting elevation of sea level (0 meters) encounters a mountain range with a peak elevation of 3,000 meters above sea level. At what elevation is the Lifting Cloud Level?
Ceiling height /1000 ft = (T - DP) / 2.6
To determine the Lifting Cloud Level, we need to consider the relationship between temperature, humidity, and altitude. The Lifting Condensation Level (LCL) is the height at which an air mass reaches saturation, causing the formation of clouds.
1. Calculate the temperature difference between the air mass and the dew point:
Temperature difference = Air temperature - Dew point temperature
Temperature difference = 25°C - 10°C = 15°C
2. Determine the average lapse rate for the given temperature range. The lapse rate represents the decrease in temperature with increasing altitude. Typically, the average lapse rate is 6.5°C per 1000 meters in the troposphere.
Average lapse rate = 6.5°C/1000m
3. Calculate the altitude at which the air reaches saturation by dividing the temperature difference by the lapse rate:
LCL altitude = (Temperature difference / Average lapse rate) * 1000
LCL altitude = (15°C / 6.5°C/1000m) * 1000
LCL altitude = 2307 meters
Therefore, the Lifting Cloud Level is approximately 2307 meters above sea level.