The rate at which air that is neither rising nor falling cools with elevation is called the ____ lapse rate.
A) dry adiabatic
B) wet adiabatic
C) normal
D) frontal

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The normal lapse rate is the rate at which "dry" or unsaturated air cools with elevation, and is equal to approximately 3.5°F per 1,000 feet (or 6.4°C per 1,000 meters). The dry adiabatic lapse rate (Choice A) applies to rising or descending unsaturated air parcels and is approximately 5.5°F per 1,000 feet (or 10°C per 1,000 meters). The wet adiabatic lapse rate (Choice B) applies to rising or descending saturated air parcels and is variable but generally slower than the dry adiabatic rate. The frontal lapse rate (Choice D) is associated with the lifting of air along a front and can vary depending on the type of front and other atmospheric conditions.

The Rate at Which Air That Is Neither Rising nor Falling