what is normal lapse rate

The normal lapse rate refers to the rate at which the temperature of the Earths atmosphere decreases with increasing altitude. It is approximately 6.5 °C per kilometer (18.8 °F per mile) in the lower atmosphere (troposphere) . This means that for every 165 meters rise in altitude, the temperature decreases by about 1 degree Celsius. The normal lapse rate is influenced by various factors such as radiation, convection, and condensation, and it is an important parameter for meteorologists in forecasting certain types of weather conditions. Understanding the normal lapse rate is crucial for assessing the stability of the atmosphere, as it can indicate whether the atmosphere is stable, conditionally unstable, or unstable.