What is the standard lapse rate for temperature with height in the standard atmosphere?

What is the standard lapse rate for temperature with height in the standard atmosphere?

• A. -2 C per 1000 ft
• B. -3 C per 1000 ft
• C. -1 C per 1000 ft
• D. 0 C per 1000 ft

Answer: (A)

In the standard atmosphere, air temperature falls as you rise, described by a lapse rate of about 6.5 C per kilometer. Converting to feet (1 km ≈ 3280 ft) gives roughly 6.5 C per 3280 ft, which is about 1.98 C per 1000 ft. So the temperature decreases by about 2 C for every 1000 ft you climb, i.e., a lapse rate of -2 C per 1000 ft. The other options either overestimate, underestimate, or imply no change with height, which doesn’t match the standard atmosphere.

In the standard atmosphere, air temperature falls as you rise, described by a lapse rate of about 6.5 C per kilometer. Converting to feet (1 km ≈ 3280 ft) gives roughly 6.5 C per 3280 ft, which is about 1.98 C per 1000 ft. So the temperature decreases by about 2 C for every 1000 ft you climb, i.e., a lapse rate of -2 C per 1000 ft. The other options either overestimate, underestimate, or imply no change with height, which doesn’t match the standard atmosphere.