Lapse rate

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-001510",
  "term": "Lapse rate",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definitions": [
    "The rate at which an atmospheric variable, most commonly temperature, decreases with an increase in altitude. It is expressed as the change in temperature per unit of vertical distance, such as degrees Celsius per kilometer (°C/km). The dry adiabatic lapse rate is a constant 9.8 °C/km, whereas the moist adiabatic lapse rate is variable and lower because of latent heat release during condensation.",
    "The rate of change of an atmospheric variable, usually temperature, with height. A steep lapse rate implies a rapid decrease in temperature with height (a sign of instability) and a steepening lapse rate implies that destabilization is occurring."
  ],
  "references": [
    "NWS Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/lapse-rate/"
}