Dew Point Calculation and Cloud Formation in Mountain Wind Flow

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating temperatures and dew point temperatures at various elevations (B, C, D, and E) in a mountain wind flow scenario, with specific surface conditions at point A (21°C, 5°C). The Dry Adiabatic Lapse Rate (DALR) of 10.0°C/km, Moist Adiabatic Lapse Rate (MADR) of 6.0°C/km, and Dew Point Lapse Rate (DWLR) of 2.0°C/km are critical for these calculations. Clouds form when the air rises and cools to its dew point, which is essential for determining where precipitation occurs. The discussion also explores how the absence of a valley at C would affect the temperature and dew point at E.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Dry Adiabatic Lapse Rate (DALR)
  • Knowledge of Moist Adiabatic Lapse Rate (MADR)
  • Familiarity with Dew Point Lapse Rate (DWLR)
  • Basic concepts of thermodynamics in meteorology
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate temperature and dew point at elevations B, C, D, and E using DALR, MADR, and DWLR.
  • Research cloud formation processes in orographic lift scenarios.
  • Examine the impact of terrain on weather patterns and precipitation.
  • Explore the effects of continuous elevation changes on temperature and humidity profiles.
USEFUL FOR

Meteorology students, atmospheric scientists, and anyone interested in understanding the effects of topography on weather patterns and cloud formation.

Sunshin3
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Dew point Calculation-Please help me!

Homework Statement


Consider a strong wind aloft that forces air to flow over the mountains from A to E, as in the diagram below. Assume the surface temperature at A is 21 degrees C and the dew point temperature is 5 degrees C; and that any moisture that condenses out of the air falls as precipitation and is left behind. The elevations are: A – 0 m; B – 3000 m; C – 1000 m; D – 5000 m; E – 500 m.


(i) What are the temperatures and dew point temperatures at B, C, D and E?
(ii) Identify where clouds are formed (hint: this is important to part (i).
(iii) How would your answer for E be different if there was no valley at C; that is, if the air flowed upward all the way from A to D?



Homework Equations


DALR = 10.0 degrees C/km (Dry adiabatic lapse rate)
MADR = 6.0 degrees C/km (Moist adiabatic lapse rate)
DWLR = 2.0 degrees C/km (Dew point lapse rate)



The Attempt at a Solution



I really DOnt know how to start this question, i think the clouds are formed on the left side of the moutain.
 
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For part (iii) i think the answer would be the same because the temperature and dew point would still decrease with elevation.
 

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