Final answer:
The statement regarding the normal lapse rate is false; the average environmental lapse rate is about 6.5°C per 1000 meters or 3.57°F per 1000 feet, though actual conditions may cause this rate to vary.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the normal lapse rate of temperature change is 6.4°C/1000 m (3.5°F/1000 ft) is false. The standard or average lapse rate, often referred to as the environmental lapse rate (ELR), is about 6.5°C per 1000 meters (or approximately 3.57°F per 1000 feet). The normal lapse rate varies depending on the specific atmospheric conditions but is generally close to this value. It's essential to understand that the lapse rate is an average measure, as atmospheric conditions can cause significant deviations from this value.
In more stable atmospheric conditions, the lapse rate can be less, leading to a more gradual decrease in temperature with elevation. In contrast, under unstable conditions, the lapse rate can be higher, which causes a more rapid decrease in temperature with elevation. This concept is critical in understanding weather patterns, atmospheric processes, and the temperature profiles of different layers of the atmosphere.