Final answer:
The standard lapse rate in the atmosphere, which is the rate of temperature decrease with elevation, is approximately 1.98 degrees Celsius per 1000 feet, making Option B the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The lapse rate is the rate at which air temperature decreases with an increase in altitude. The standard lapse rate is generally accepted to be 6.5 degrees Celsius per kilometer (1.98 degrees Celsius per 1000 feet) in the troposphere. Option B correctly represents the lapse rate as it applies to this context. The other options, A and C, do not correctly represent the standard lapse rate, as they refer to a rate of 4°C per 1000 ft and 1.98°F per 1000 ft, respectively, which are not standard values.
As an important part of understanding weather patterns and atmospheric conditions, the lapse rate is critical for pilots, meteorologists, and climate scientists. It influences cloud formation, atmospheric stability, and weather predictions.