At what rate does saturated air cool?

The correct understanding of how saturated air cools is based on the concept of the wet adiabatic lapse rate. When air is saturated with moisture, it cools at a rate of approximately 1.5 degrees Celsius for every 1,000 feet of altitude gained. This differs from the dry adiabatic lapse rate, which is about 3 degrees Celsius per 1,000 feet.

When discussing saturated air, it is critical to consider that moisture in the air affects its cooling rate. As air rises and cools, the moisture condenses, releasing latent heat. This release of heat slows down the cooling rate compared to unsaturated air. Therefore, recognizing that saturated air cools at approximately 1.5 degrees per 1,000 feet is essential for understanding weather patterns and aviation meteorology.

This information is particularly relevant for pilots who need to anticipate changes in weather conditions and understand how cloud formation and precipitation processes occur as air rises in the atmosphere.