Assuming the dry adiabatic lapse rate, how much would an air parcel cool if it descended from 2500 m to 1000 m?

Question

Group of answer choices

15°C

6°C

10°C

None of the options apply

3°C

Answer 1

The dry adiabatic lapse rate (DALR) is approximately 9.8°C per kilometer (or 1°C per 100 meters).

To calculate how much an air parcel cools as it descends from 2500 m to 1000 m:

1. Calculate the change in altitude:

   • 2500 m - 1000 m = 1500 m

2. Convert the change in altitude to kilometers:

   • 1500 m = 1.5 km

3. Apply the dry adiabatic lapse rate:

   • Cooling = 1.5 km × 9.8°C/km = 14.7°C

Since the options provided are:

• 15°C
• 6°C
• 10°C
• None of the options apply
• 3°C

The closest choice is 15°C.