Final answer:
A steep lapse rate signifies a rapid temperature decrease with altitude, and a shallow lapse rate denotes a slower decrease. An inversion occurs when this pattern is reversed, with warmer air above cooler air. An isothermal layer is where temperature remains constant with altitude.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Atmospheric Lapse Rates and Layers
Lapse rates in meteorology are essential for understanding how temperature changes with altitude. The steep lapse rate refers to a rapid temperature decrease with height, while a shallow lapse rate indicates a more gradual decrease. A temperature inversion occurs when this typical pattern is reversed, causing warmer air to lie above cooler air. This can lead to pollution being trapped close to the ground. Lastly, an isothermal layer is a layer in the atmosphere where the temperature remains constant with increasing altitude.
Key Atmospheric Layer Terms
- Steep Lapse Rate: Indicates a rapid decrease in temperature with altitude.
- Shallow Lapse Rate: Signifies a more gradual decrease in temperature as one moves higher in the atmosphere.
- Inversion: A phenomenon in which the usual temperature pattern is inverted, with warmer air situated above cooler air.
- Isothermal Layer: A layer in the atmosphere where the temperature does not change with altitude.