Question

For the elevation and temperature data given in the table, the existing lapse rate in the environment is \underline{\hspace{2cm} °C/100 m (round off to two decimal places).} \includegraphics[width=0.75\linewidth]{image35.png}

Hint:

The environmental lapse rate can be calculated by dividing the change in temperature by the change in elevation, and then adjusting the units accordingly to get °C/100 m.

Answer 1

The formula for the environmental lapse rate is: \[ \text{Lapse rate} = \frac{\text{Change in temperature}}{\text{Change in elevation}} = \frac{T_2 - T_1}{H_2 - H_1} \] Where: - \( T_1 = 14.2^\circ C \) and \( T_2 = 16.9^\circ C \) are the temperatures at elevations \( H_1 = 5 \) m and \( H_2 = 325 \) m respectively. Now, calculate the change in temperature and elevation: \[ \text{Change in temperature} = T_2 - T_1 = 16.9 - 14.2 = 2.7^\circ C \] \[ \text{Change in elevation} = H_2 - H_1 = 325 - 5 = 320 \text{ m} \] Now substitute into the formula for lapse rate: \[ \text{Lapse rate} = \frac{2.7}{320} = 0.0084375 \, \text{°C/m} = 0.84 \, \text{°C/100 m} \] Thus, the lapse rate is \( 0.84 \, \text{°C/100 m} \), and the correct answer is (A).