Question

The environmental temperature increases by 6°C/km with height at a particular location. The stability condition of the atmosphere at the location is ______,

• A. Stable
• B. Unstable
• C. Inversion
• D. Neutral

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understand atmospheric stability conditions. The stability of the atmosphere is determined by the temperature gradient with height: Normal condition: Temperature decreases with height (lapse rate). 
Inversion: Temperature increases with height, which is an abnormal condition and leads to a stable atmosphere. 
Neutral condition: The temperature remains constant with height. 
Unstable condition: When the environmental lapse rate exceeds the adiabatic lapse rate, the atmosphere becomes unstable. 

Step 2: Analyze the given scenario. In the question, the environmental temperature increases by 6 with height, indicating a temperature inversion. 

Step 3: Select the correct stability condition. A temperature increase with height represents an inversion, leading to stable atmospheric conditions where vertical air movement is suppressed.