Adiabatic lapse rate

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-000051",
  "term": "Adiabatic lapse rate",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definitions": [
    "The rate at which the temperature of an air parcel changes as it rises or sinks adiabatically, meaning without exchanging heat with its surroundings. For dry, unsaturated air, the dry adiabatic lapse rate is approximately 9.8 °C per 1000 meters. For saturated air, the moist adiabatic lapse rate is smaller and variable, typically ranging from 4 to 9 °C per 1000 meters.",
    "The rate of decrease of temperature experienced by a parcel of air when it is lifted in the atmosphere under the restriction that it cannot exchange heat with its environment. For parcels that remain unsaturated during lifting, the (dry adiabatic) lapse rate is 9.8°C per kilometer."
  ],
  "references": [
    "NWS Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/adiabatic-lapse-rate/"
}