The lower atmosphere is most likely to have the steepest environmental lapse rate at this time:
A)sunrise.
B)mid-day.
C)sunset.
D)midnight.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The steepest environmental lapse rate (change in temperature with height) typically occurs during mid-day when the sun is highest in the sky and heating the surface the most. As the surface warms up, warm air rises and cools, creating a steep lapse rate. At sunrise and sunset, the temperatures are typically more stable and there is less temperature gradient in the atmosphere. At midnight, the surface has typically cooled down, leading to a more stable atmosphere and lower lapse rates.

The Lower Atmosphere Is Most Likely to Have the Steepest