When the adiabatic lapse rate becomes warmer than the environmental lapse rate at, say, 5000 feet, is that the point where an uplifting force is no longer necessary? My understanding is that below 5000 feet, the air remains stable, so an uplifting force is needed to reach that altitude. Once at 5000 feet, however, the adiabatic air would be warmer and less dense than the surrounding air, causing it to rise on its own.
In addition, In an absolutely unstable atmosphere, where the adiabatic lapse rate consistently exceeds the environmental lapse rate, at what point do clouds stop forming? Do they stop once they reach stable air in the stratosphere/tropopause?
In addition, In an absolutely unstable atmosphere, where the adiabatic lapse rate consistently exceeds the environmental lapse rate, at what point do clouds stop forming? Do they stop once they reach stable air in the stratosphere/tropopause?
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