What characteristic does high Environmental Lapse Rate (ELR) indicate about air stability?

High Environmental Lapse Rate (ELR) indicates that the temperature of the atmosphere decreases significantly with altitude. This characteristic is crucial for understanding air stability. When the ELR is high, it generally means that warmer air is situated close to the surface with much cooler air above it. This temperature gradient creates an environment conducive to rising air parcels because the warm air at the surface is less dense than the cooler air above.

As a result, if a parcel of air is lifted, it will continue to rise because it is warmer and less dense than its surroundings. This upward movement of air can lead to the formation of clouds and precipitation, which are indicative of unstable conditions in the atmosphere. Therefore, a high ELR is associated with unstable air, enabling strong convective activity. Understanding this relationship is essential for predicting weather patterns, including thunderstorms and other related phenomena.