What is the normal lapse rate of temperature in the troposphere, i.e., 1°C for every how many meters?
The normal lapse rate in the troposphere is approximately 1°C for every 166 meters of ascent. This rate describes how the temperature naturally decreases as you move higher into the atmosphere. This cooling occurs because air pressure drops at higher altitudes, causing air to expand and lose heat. It is a fundamental concept in meteorology for predicting weather and temperature. ANSWER: (D) 166 meters
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The normal lapse rate is a standard measure used to describe the vertical temperature gradient within the troposphere. On average, the temperature drops by 1°C for every 166 meters (or approximately 6.5°C per kilometer). This phenomenon happens because the atmosphere is primarily heated from the ground up by terrestrial radiation. As air parcels rise, they encounter lower pressure and expand, a process that consumes energy and results in cooling. This lapse rate is critical for pilots, meteorologists and hikers to understand how conditions will change as they gain altitude, directly affecting cloud formation and stability.
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