The rate at which the actual air temperature changes with increasing height above the surface is referred to as the
A) environmental lapse rate.
B) dry adiabatic rate.
C) moist adiabatic rate.
D) thermocline.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The rate at which the actual air temperature changes with increasing height above the surface is referred to as the environmental lapse rate. This rate can vary depending on the location and weather conditions, but it is typically around 6.5 °C per 1000 meters of vertical ascent. Choice B (dry adiabatic rate) and Choice C (moist adiabatic rate) both refer to the rates at which unsaturated and saturated air parcels cool or warm as they rise or fall in the atmosphere, respectively. These rates are fixed and do not depend on the actual temperature of the surrounding air. Choice D (thermocline) refers to a layer in a body of water where the temperature changes rapidly with depth.

The Rate at Which the Actual Air Temperature Changes with Increasing