1. What is the Normal Lapse Rate?

The normal lapse rate refers to the rate at which atmospheric temperature decreases with an increase in altitude. The standard normal lapse rate is 6.5 K/km, which is commonly used in meteorology and atmospheric sciences.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the normal lapse rate formula:

Where:

• 6.5 K/km — Standard normal lapse rate
• Temperature — Initial temperature at reference altitude (°C)
• Altitude — Change in altitude (km)

Explanation: The calculator determines the temperature change based on altitude variation using the standard lapse rate.

3. Importance of Lapse Rate Calculation

Details: Understanding and calculating lapse rates is essential for weather forecasting, aviation, environmental studies, and understanding atmospheric stability and convection processes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the initial temperature in °C and the altitude change in km. The calculator will compute the resulting temperature at the new altitude.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the standard normal lapse rate?
A: The standard normal lapse rate is 6.5 K/km, meaning temperature decreases by 6.5°C for every kilometer increase in altitude.

Q2: Why is the lapse rate important in meteorology?
A: It helps determine atmospheric stability, predict weather patterns, and understand vertical temperature distributions in the atmosphere.

Q3: Does the lapse rate vary in different conditions?
A: Yes, actual lapse rates can vary due to humidity, weather conditions, and geographical location, though 6.5 K/km is the standard reference.

Q4: How is lapse rate used in aviation?
A: Pilots use lapse rate calculations to estimate temperature changes at different flight levels, which affects aircraft performance and fuel calculations.

Q5: Can this calculator be used for negative altitude changes?
A: Yes, entering a negative altitude value (descent) will calculate temperature increase using the same lapse rate.