Consider the following combinations of lapse rate in relation to atmos

Consider the following combinations of lapse rate in relation to atmospheric region :

1. Troposphere : Negative lapse rate
2. Stratosphere : Negative lapse rate
3. Mesosphere : Negative lapse rate
4. Thermosphere : Positive lapse rate

How many of the combinations given above is/are correct ?

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

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UPSC Geoscientist – 2024

Lapse rate refers to the rate at which temperature changes with altitude in the atmosphere. A positive lapse rate means temperature decreases with increasing altitude. A negative lapse rate (also known as an inversion) means temperature increases with increasing altitude. We need to examine the temperature profile of each atmospheric layer.

1. **Troposphere:** Temperature generally decreases with altitude (positive lapse rate). Statement 1 is incorrect.
2. **Stratosphere:** Temperature increases with altitude due to the absorption of UV radiation by the ozone layer (negative lapse rate). Statement 2 is correct.
3. **Mesosphere:** Temperature decreases with altitude (positive lapse rate), reaching the coldest temperatures in the atmosphere at the mesopause. Statement 3 is incorrect.
4. **Thermosphere:** Temperature increases significantly with altitude due to the absorption of high-energy solar radiation (negative lapse rate/temperature increasing with height). Statement 4 states positive lapse rate, which is incorrect.

The atmospheric layers are defined based on temperature changes with altitude. The boundaries between layers (tropopause, stratopause, mesopause) are where the temperature trend reverses. Only the Stratosphere and Thermosphere exhibit temperature increases with altitude.

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