MtnSim_Adiabatic
(due Sept. 22 for the 2:10-3:00pm section; Sept. 27 for the 4:10-5:30pm section)


For this exercise, you will be using the mountain simulation from the previous assignment.  Read the directions and questions below.  The link at the bottom of this page will take you directly to the simulation.  Turn in your responses to the questions below.

A wind blowing from left to right across the mountain is traced by a leaf as a marker. The initial conditions of the atmosphere
at the base of the mountain on the left side are represented by the leaf placement on the vapor pressure/temperature graph. The
conditions corresponding to the initial leaf placement of the simulation when the graphs first appear will not cause a
temperature difference between the initial and final conditions.

A. Run the simulation for this case and use this as a reference for future observations.

B. Next experiment with various initial positions of the leaf on the vapor pressure/temperature graph in order to achieve a 5-5.5 degree Celsius difference between the temperatures ground on either side of the mountain.
 


Questions to turn in on your own paper:

1.  What was your plan for finding the "correct" initial leaf position?

 
2. How does the leaf path on the vapor pressure/temperature graph for the reference case compare with the path where the 5-5.5 degree Celsius temperature difference occurs? What do you think is happening?
 

3.  How does the path on the altitude/temperature graph for the reference case compare with the path where the 5-5.5 degree C temperature difference occurs? Can you suggest a reason for the differences?
 

4.  Watch both graphs simultaneously during conditions when a cloud forms. What relationship between the two curves do you observe?
 

5.  If a cloud formed but no rain fell, could a temperature difference ever occur between the windward and leeward sides of the mountain? Why or why not? 

Link to:  Mountain Simulation