What is the specific temperature change experienced by a rising air parcel at the moist adiabatic lapse rate?

The moist adiabatic lapse rate refers to the rate at which a rising parcel of moist air cools as it ascends in the atmosphere. This rate varies depending on the moisture content of the air, but it is typically around 6 degrees Celsius per kilometer. When a saturated air parcel rises, it expands and cools due to lower atmospheric pressure at higher altitudes. However, the cooling occurs at a slower rate compared to the dry adiabatic lapse rate because the release of latent heat during condensation offsets some of the cooling.

As the air rises, it can reach levels where condensation occurs, and this process releases latent heat, which warms the air parcel and reduces the rate of temperature decrease. Therefore, the specific temperature change experienced by a rising saturated air parcel is approximately 6 degrees Celsius per kilometer. This understanding is crucial in meteorology, particularly when discussing cloud formation and weather patterns, as it helps predict the vertical behavior of air parcels in varying atmospheric conditions.