2022 · Q13
Which one of the following statements is correct with reference to lapse rate?
indian-world-geographyclimatology
- ATemperature is highest at ground level and decreases with increasing altitude.
- BTemperature is lowest at ground level and increases with increasing altitude.
- CTemperature remains stable with increasing altitude.
- DTemperature first increases with increasing altitude and gradually starts decreasing.
Explanation
The normal environmental lapse rate in the troposphere is about 6.5°C per kilometre: temperature is highest at ground level and decreases steadily with increasing altitude, making statement A correct. Statement B describes a temperature inversion (common at night or in winter), which is the exception, not the normal lapse rate. Statement C is wrong because temperature does not remain stable with altitude in the troposphere. Statement D reverses the actual pattern of the normal lapse rate. Hence option A.