Which geographic term is used to describe the change in temperature with an increase in altitude?
Question: Which geographic term is used to describe the change in temperature with an increase in altitude?
Are you curious about how the temperature changes as you go higher up in the atmosphere? If so, you might want to learn about a geographic term that describes this phenomenon: the lapse rate.
The lapse rate is the rate at which the air temperature decreases with increasing altitude. It is usually expressed in degrees Celsius per kilometer or degrees Fahrenheit per mile. The lapse rate varies depending on the moisture and pressure of the air, but a common value is about 6.5°C/km or 3.6°F/mile.
Why does the temperature drop as you go higher? There are two main reasons: the expansion of air and the radiation of heat. As air rises, it expands due to lower pressure. This expansion causes the air molecules to move farther apart and lose kinetic energy, which means they become cooler. Also, as air rises, it radiates heat to the surrounding space, which also lowers its temperature.
The lapse rate is important for understanding weather patterns, climate zones, and aviation safety. For example, the lapse rate affects how clouds form, how storms develop, and how much oxygen is available for flying. The lapse rate also determines the altitude at which snow and ice can form, which influences the distribution of glaciers and mountain ecosystems.
If you want to learn more about the lapse rate and other geographic terms, you can check out some online resources or books on physical geography. You can also try to observe the temperature changes yourself by using a thermometer and an altimeter when you go hiking or flying. You might be surprised by how much the temperature varies with altitude!
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