Maximum parcel level

The maximum parcel level (MPL) is the highest level in the atmosphere that a moist convectively rising air parcel will reach after ascending through the free convective layer (FCL) and reaching the equilibrium level (EL) where it loses buoyancy. At the EL, the temperature of a parcel becomes cooler than that of the environment but due to momentum a parcel continues rising past this level (which is near the tropopause and approximates the altitude where the anvil forms) and ceases at the MPL (visually represented by the overshooting top).

Additional recommended knowledge

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Weighing the right way

Recognize and detect the effects of electrostatic charges on your balance

See also

• Atmospheric thermodynamics

References

• Carpenter, Richard L., Jr.; Kelvin K. Droegemeier, and Alan M. Blyth (December 1998). "Entrainment and Detrainment in Numerically Simulated Cumulus Congestus Clouds. Part I: General Results". Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences 55 (23): 3417-3432.
• Carpenter, Richard L., Jr.; Kelvin K. Droegemeier, and Alan M. Blyth (December 1998). "Entrainment and Detrainment in Numerically Simulated Cumulus Congestus Clouds. Part III: Parcel Analysis". Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences 55 (23): 3440-3455.