3. Temperature Profile as a Function of Height

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is a temperature profile?

   Hint

   Think about how temperature behaves as you ascend into the atmosphere.

2. 2.

   What occurs during a temperature inversion?

   Hint

   Consider what normally happens to temperature as altitude increases.

3. 3.

   What is the environmental lapse rate approximately in the troposphere?

   • 1°C/km
   • 6.5°C/km
   • 9.8°C/km

   Hint

   Check typical values for atmospheric layers.

4. 4.

   True or False: The temperature in a temperature inversion decreases with height.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about the definition of a temperature inversion.

5. 5.

   Given a temperature profile of 20°C at ground level and an environmental lapse rate of 5°C/km, what will be the temperature at a height of 2 km?

   Hint

   Use the lapse rate to determine the temperature drop with height.

6. 6.

   Explain how an unstable atmosphere can affect pollution dispersion compared to a stable atmosphere.

   Hint

   Think about how air movement impacts concentration.