Moist vs Warm Parcels

[calvinkaskey]

Can a cooler parcel of air that is moist rise into a warmer drier parcel? Moist air being less dense.

 

[Skip Talbot]

I think you might be asking, "What's more significant to a parcel's buoyancy? Moisture or temperature?" I'll let someone else handle that one.

 

[Patrick Marsh]

Moisture tends to have a bigger impact than temperature. But to answer the question, a parcel will rise if the virtual temperature of the parcel is warmer than the environmental temperature. The virtual temperature accounts for the amount of moisture and temperature of the parcel.