The lower atmosphere typically has a steeper environmental lapse rate in the middle of the day because
A)the surface warms more slowly than the air aloft
B)the surface warms more rapidly than the air aloft
C)water tends to evaporate at the surface, releasing latent heat
D)the air aloft tends to absorb more shortwave radiation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During the middle of the day, the sun is at its highest point and the surface receives the most amount of solar radiation. As a result, the surface warms more rapidly than the air aloft, creating a steeper environmental lapse rate in the lower atmosphere.

The Lower Atmosphere Typically Has a Steeper Environmental Lapse Rate