Question

It is 35°C at sea level. The environmental lapse rate between sea level and 2100 meters is 6.85 °C/1000m. The environmental lapse rate between 2100 meters and 3500 meters is 11°C/1000m. The normal lapse rate exists above 3500 meters. What will the temperature be at 9000 meters?

Answer 1

Answer: -30.5 °C

Explanation:

Lapse rate between sea level and 2,100m is 6.85 °C/1000m.

Therefore at a height of 2,100m, the temperature should have fallen by;

= $\frac{6.85}{1,000} * 2,100$

= 14.285 °C

Temperature at 2,100 m will therefore be,

= 35 - 14.285

= 20.615 °C

Lapse rate between 2,100m and 3,500m is 11 °C/1000m.

Therefore at a height of 3,500m, the temperature should have fallen by;

= $\frac{11}{1,000} * (3,500 - 2,100)$

= 15.4 °C

Temperature at 3,500 m will therefore be,

= 20.615 - 15.4

= 5.215 °C

Lapse rate between 3,500m and 9,000m is assumed to be the normal rate. Normal rate is assumed to be 6.5 °C/1000m

Therefore at a height of 9,000m, the temperature should have fallen by;

= $\frac{6.5}{1,000} * (9,000 - 3,500)$

= 35.75 °C

Temperature at 9,000 m will therefore be,

= 5.215 - 35.75

= -30.535

= -30.5 °C