Which of the following is correct regarding lapse rates in the troposphere?
A) The term "normal (average) lapse rate" refers to the actual lapse rate in effect at any particular time.
B) The environmental lapse rate refers to the actual lapse rate at any particular time and may differ substantially from the normal lapse rate.
C) The normal lapse rate is always the same as the dry adiabatic rate (DAR).
D) Temperatures generally increase with altitude in the troposphere.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The environmental lapse rate refers to the actual lapse rate at any particular time and may differ substantially from the normal lapse rate. The normal (average) lapse rate, on the other hand, is a standard rate of temperature decrease with height in the troposphere that is used to make atmospheric calculations easier. The troposphere generally undergoes a decrease in temperature with height, but this decrease is not always at a constant rate, which is why the environmental lapse rate can differ from the normal lapse rate. Option A is incorrect because the normal lapse rate is a standard rate and not specific to any particular time. Option C is incorrect as the dry adiabatic rate and the normal lapse rate are different but related concepts. Option D is incorrect because temperatures generally decrease with altitude in the troposphere, not increase.

Which of the Following Is Correct Regarding Lapse Rates in the Troposphere