Lapse Rates

01/11/26

“How does temperature change with atmospheric height?”

The atmosphere’s properties change with height. One of these variables is the temperature. The Lapse Rate measures the rate of change of temperature with atmospheric height. The lapse rate is measured by taking the negative of the change in temperature divided by the change in height. If the lapse rate is positive, then temperature decreases with height, and vice versa for a negative lapse rate. Lapse rates are vital for measuring atmospheric stability.