Adiabatic Temperature Changes Adiabatic temperature changes occur because

Adiabatic Temperature Changes Adiabatic temperature changes occur because of the natural expansion and compression of air molecules under specific situations. Slide show created using geoteach. com

A. The general rule is: Rising air COOLS due to EXPANSION of air molecules. Pressure decreases as you go up, allowing molecules to naturally expand. Air molecules move easier and faster when there is more space between them. There is also less contact between each air molecule. Molecular contact generates heat. Less contact means less heat. So, in an expanded parcel of air, where there is less molecular contact, air temperatures will decrease.

This is how I know rising air cools As you go up, you also move left

B. Descending air WARMS due to COMPRESSION of air molecules. The reverse is also true. When air is compressed there is more contact between air molecules and this generates heat, so temperatures in a parcel of air that is becoming compressed will increase.

Air Molecule Concentration in the Atmosphere Due to gravitational forces, more air molecules are concentrated closer to Earth's surface. Therefore, air nearer to the ground is more compressed and molecules are closer together with less space between them.

Animation of rain shadow Orographic Uplift of an air mass because of a topographic obstruction. Uplift also causes the cooling of the air mass. If enough cooling occurs condensation can occur and form into orographic precipitation.

The photos below were taken on the island of Maui. A The first photograph shows the lush greenery found on the mountainsides facing the northeast winds B The second photo is the opposite side of the same mountain that faces away from the prevailing winds. Notice the absence of green vegetation on the leeward side of the mountain

Smart board activity followed by regents questions