If you visited Mount Shasta City (elevation 900 m [3000 ft.])and found the outside air temperature to be 27°C (81°F),what would be the air temperature at the summit of Mount Shasta (elevation 4200 m [14,000 ft.])at that moment-assuming that the temperature conditions with altitude change at an average,or normal,lapse rate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The average, or normal, lapse rate is about 6.5°C per 1000 meters (3.6°F per 1000 feet). Therefore, we can calculate the temperature at the summit using the following formula:

Temperature at summit = Temperature at base - (lapse rate x elevation difference)
Temperature at summit = 27°C - (6.5°C/1000m x (4200m-900m))
Temperature at summit = 27°C - 24.7°C
Temperature at summit = 2.3°C

Converting to Fahrenheit, the temperature at the summit would be approximately 42.5°F, so the best choice is C).

If You Visited Mount Shasta City (Elevation 900 M [3000