Question

In the troposphere, as altitude increases, air temperature drops at a relatively uniform rate. In a linear model of this situation, which of the following statements applies?

A. An increase of 1 km in altitude corresponds to an increase of 6.5°C in temperature.
B. An increase of 1 km in altitude corresponds to a decrease of 3.8°C in temperature.
C. An increase of 1 km in altitude corresponds to a decrease of 6.5°C in temperature.
D. An increase of 1 km in altitude corresponds to an increase of 3.8°C in temperature.

Answer 1

C. An increase of 1 km in altitude corresponds to a decrease of 6.5°C in temperature. This is consistent with the lapse rate in the troposphere, where temperature decreases by about 6.5°C per kilometer of altitude gained.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the troposphere, as altitude increases, air temperature drops at a relatively uniform rate. The rate at which the temperature decreases with an increase in altitude is known as the lapse rate. When we apply a linear model to this situation, the correct statement is:
C. An increase of 1 km in altitude corresponds to a decrease of 6.5°C in temperature.
This is because, in the troposphere, the temperature typically decreases by about 6.5°C for every 1 kilometer increase in altitude. This lapse rate is crucial for understanding atmospheric physics and weather patterns.