The temperature reading at the peak of a volcano is 6ºC. What will be the temperature at the foot of the volcano, which is 3000 metres from the surrounding ...

Answer Details

This question applies the environmental lapse rate in reverse. Instead of calculating the temperature at a higher altitude, you must calculate the temperature at a lower altitude (the foot of the volcano) given the temperature at the peak.

The environmental lapse rate states that temperature decreases by approximately 6.5 \(^\circ\)C for every 1000 metres of altitude gained. Conversely, temperature increases by 6.5 \(^\circ\)C for every 1000 metres of descent.

Given information:

• Temperature at the peak = 6 \(^\circ\)C
• Height of the volcano = 3000 m above the surrounding lowland
• Lapse rate = 6.5 \(^\circ\)C per 1000 m

Calculation:

\[\text{Temperature increase} = 6.5 \times \frac{3000}{1000} = 6.5 \times 3 = 19.5\,^\circ\text{C}\]

Temperature at the foot:

\[T = 6 + 19.5 = 25.5\,^\circ\text{C}\]

The temperature at the foot of the volcano is 25.5 \(^\circ\)C.