Adiabatic warming occurs under which condition?

Adiabatic warming occurs under which condition?

• A. Air sinks and compresses, temperature increases
• B. Air rises and expands, temperature decreases
• C. Air sinks and expands, temperature increases
• D. Air rises and compresses, temperature increases

Answer: (A)

Adiabatic warming happens when air parcels descend in the atmosphere. As they sink, surrounding pressure increases, so the parcel is compressed. This compression does work on the air, raising its internal energy and thus its temperature, all without heat exchange with the surroundings. So the scenario where air sinks and compresses, leading to a temperature increase, is the adiabatic warming condition. (Rising air expands and cools, which is the opposite process.)

Adiabatic warming happens when air parcels descend in the atmosphere. As they sink, surrounding pressure increases, so the parcel is compressed. This compression does work on the air, raising its internal energy and thus its temperature, all without heat exchange with the surroundings. So the scenario where air sinks and compresses, leading to a temperature increase, is the adiabatic warming condition. (Rising air expands and cools, which is the opposite process.)