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Which factors can lead to the air reaching saturation?

A: Temperature
B: Water vapour concentration
C: Dew point

  • A

    A decreases, B decreases, C decreases.

  • B

    A increases, B increases, C decreases.

  • C

    A decreases, B increases, C increases.

  • D

    A increases, B decreases, C increases.

Air is said to be saturated when it contains the maximum amount of water vapour possible for its temperature. This happens when the air temperature equals the dew point, meaning the relative humidity is 100%.

If the temperature decreases, the air can hold less water vapour. Cooling the air therefore moves it closer to saturation and can eventually cause saturation without adding any moisture.

If the water vapour concentration increases, more moisture is added to the air. This also brings the air closer to saturation. As moisture is added, the dew point increases, because dew point is a direct measure of how much water vapour the air contains.

Saturation occurs when the decreasing air temperature meets the increasing dew point, or when moisture is added until both values are the same.

Therefore, the correct combination is: A decreases, B increases, C increases.

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