Radiative equilibrium temperature profile is stable to convection.

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The question asks about the statement 'Radiative equilibrium temperature profile is stable to convection.' and provides two options: True or False.
Option 1: True. If one asserts that the radiative equilibrium temperature profile is stable to convection, this would imply that convection cannot start or alter the temperature structure once radiative balance is achieved. In planetary atmospheres and stellar contexts, however, radiative equilibrium does not guarantee convective stability; regions can become convectively unstable when the lapse rate exceeds the adiabatic lapse rate, causing convection to modify the temperature profile away from pure radiative balance. Therefore, treating radiative equilibrium as inherently stable against convection is an oversimplification and generally incorrect.
Option 2: False. Saying the radiative equilibrium temperature profile is stable to convection means accepting that radiative balance alone does not preclude convection from altering the profile. In many models, convection occurs when the temperature gradient becomes steep enough to trigger buoyant overturning, which can transport heat and flatten the gradient, altering the radiative equilibrium. This viewpoint aligns with the well-known interplay between radiative processes and convective adjustments in atmospheric and planetary contexts, where convection can destabilize or modify what would be a purely radiative profile if left unchecked. Hence, this option correctly reflects the potential for convection to affect or modify radiative equilibrium.

CLMTGR5001_002_2025_3 - Dynamics of Climate Variability and Chan Quiz 3c Week 3 Lecture 3

Radiative equilibrium temperature profile is stable to convection.

查看解析

登录即可查看完整答案

类似问题

The atmosphere is typically most unstable _____.

If an atmosphere is stable to convection, it means a rising air parcel will be (choose all correct answers):