Lapse rate refers to the rate at which temperature decreases with an increase in altitude within the atmosphere. It is a critical concept that helps in understanding how temperature changes affect vertical temperature profiles, atmospheric stability, cloud formation processes, and the data collected by radiosondes. By studying lapse rates, meteorologists can predict weather patterns and analyze the behavior of air masses as they move through different layers of the atmosphere.
congrats on reading the definition of lapse rate. now let's actually learn it.