Assuming the average value of the environmental lapse rate, what would be the temperature in the tropopause at a height of 3 km if the temperature at the surface is 20°C?
A) 32.9°C
B) 0.5°C
C) 9.2°C
D) The answer cannot be calculated with the information given.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The environmental lapse rate is the rate at which the temperature decreases with an increase in altitude. The average value is about 6.5°C per 1000 meters. Therefore, at 3 km (or 3000 meters), the temperature would decrease by 19.5°C (6.5°C * 3) from the surface temperature. Subtracting 19.5°C from the surface temperature of 20°C gives 0.5°C.

Assuming the Average Value of the Environmental Lapse Rate, What