Describe how temperature and moisture affect the stability of the atmosphere.
Description should include the concepts that
- higher-temperature air can hold more moisture than colder air
- when air is heated, it rises until condensation occurs, resulting in the formation of clouds
- the less moisture, the more stable the air; higher moisture is characteristic of unstable air.
Process/Skill Questions:
- Why can warm air hold more moisture than cold air?
- How is aircraft performance affected by warm and humid air?
- Why is the air less stable at higher temperatures?
- What phenomenon occurs in cold air with 100 percent humidity?
- What type of adverse flight conditions might be expected if the temperature and dew point spread is low?