What is the primary effect of adiabatic cooling?

Adiabatic cooling primarily results from the expansion of air, which leads to a decrease in temperature. When air rises in the atmosphere, it encounters lower pressure, allowing the air to expand. As the air expands, it does work on its surroundings, which requires energy. Since the energy comes from the internal energy of the air itself, this results in a lowering of the air's temperature.

This process is fundamental in meteorology, particularly in explaining cloud formation and weather patterns. As the air cools, the water vapor present can condense into droplets, which may lead to cloud formation if the cooling is significant enough. While condensation of moisture does occur as a result of cooling, the main process initiating this effect is the expansion and subsequent temperature drop of the rising air.