1. The atmosphere is absolutely unstable when the temperature of the air ________ with height.
a. Is uniform
b. Decreases rapidly
c. Increases slightly
d. Increases rapidly
e. Decreases slightly
answer: b
1. Rain shadow deserts are typically associated with
a. The leeward sides of mountains
b. Orographic lifting
c. Adiabatic warming
d. All of the above
answer: b
https://www.google.com/search?q=rain+shadow+desert+formation&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-b-1-ab
1. The atmosphere is absolutely unstable when the temperature of the air decreases rapidly with height. This means that as you go higher in the atmosphere, the temperature of the air drops quickly.
2. Rain shadow deserts are typically associated with orographic lifting. This occurs when moist air is forced to rise over a mountain range, causing it to cool and condense, resulting in rainfall on the windward side of the mountain. As the air descends on the leeward side, it warms adiabatically and becomes drier, leading to arid or desert-like conditions.
To determine the answer to the first question, we need to understand the concept of atmospheric stability. The stability of the atmosphere refers to the tendency of the air to rise or sink when disturbed. In an unstable atmosphere, if air is lifted, it continues to rise on its own.
In this case, the question asks about the temperature of the air with height. In an absolutely unstable atmosphere, the temperature of the air decreases rapidly with height. This is because in an unstable atmosphere, the air near the surface is warmer than the air above it. When this warm air rises, it cools rapidly and continues to rise, creating strong upward motion and potentially leading to the formation of clouds and storms.
To answer the second question, we need to understand the concept of rain shadow deserts. These deserts occur on the leeward (downwind) side of mountain ranges. When moist air encounters a mountain range, it is forced to rise due to the topography. As the air rises, it cools and reaches its dew point, causing condensation and precipitation on the windward side of the mountains (the side facing the oncoming wind).
By the time the air reaches the leeward side of the mountains, it has lost most of its moisture content, resulting in a rain shadow. The descending dry air creates a drier and often desert-like environment. This process of air being lifted over the mountains is known as orographic lifting.
Therefore, the correct answer to the second question is b. Orographic lifting is typically associated with rain shadow deserts.