tephigram

views updated May 18 2018

tephigram A diagram showing the vertical variation in properties of the atmosphere (i.e. temperature and humidity are plotted as a function of pressure, with lines indicating dry and saturated adiabatic lapse rates). The changes in temperature and humidity of lifted air parcels can be compared against the environment (surrounding air) curve, revealing the stability or instability of the air mass and the level at which condensation will occur in the uplifted air. See also environmental lapse rate.

tephigram

views updated May 08 2018

tephigram Diagram showing the vertical variation in properties of the atmosphere, i.e. temperature and humidity are plotted as a function of pressure, with lines indicating dry and saturated adiabatic lapse rates. The changes in temperature and humidity of lifted air parcels can be compared against the environment (surrounding air) curve, revealing the stability or instability of the air mass and the level at which condensation will occur in the uplifted air. See also ENVIRONMENTAL LAPSE RATE.

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