Chapter 31, Problem 11TE

To determine

The air’s temperature and moisture content when air mass upslope and downslope over a mountain.

Answer to Problem 11TE

When air mass upslope, the temperature of air decreases, and moisture content increases and when air mass downslope, the temperature of air increases and moisture content decreases.

Explanation of Solution

When air mass moves upslope over the mountain air expands, and the temperature of the air decreases. The moisture content present in the moist air condenses to form the clouds. Thus, when air mass upslope, the temperature of air decreases, and moisture content increases.

When air mass moves downslope over the mountain, the air compresses and the temperature of the air increases. The moisture content present in the moist air, which is at a lower temperature, decreases. Thus, when air mass upslope, the temperature of air decreases, and moisture content increases.

Conclusion:

Therefore, when air mass upslope temperature of air decreases, and moisture content increases and when air mass downslope temperature of air increases and moisture content decreases.