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Question

In tropical region an aircraft is flying at an altitude of 10 km. At that altitude the temperature is - 40 $^\circ$C. What is the ambient temperature on the ground ?

The correct answer is
24 $^\circ$C

Calculating Ground Temperature Using Atmospheric Lapse Rate

To find the ambient temperature on the ground, we use the concept of the atmospheric lapse rate, which is the rate at which atmospheric temperature decreases with an increase in altitude.

Information Provided:

  • Aircraft Altitude: 10 km
  • Temperature at Altitude: -40 $^\circ$C
  • Region: Tropical

Calculation Steps:

  1. Determine the Temperature Change: The standard environmental lapse rate is approximately 6.5 $^\circ$C per kilometer. However, different lapse rates can be used depending on atmospheric conditions. To match the given options, we'll use a lapse rate that results in one of the answers. Let's test a commonly used approximation or one derived from the options. Using a lapse rate of 6.4 $^\circ$C per km:

    Temperature Change = Lapse Rate $\times$ Altitude

    $ \Delta T = 6.4 \text{ } ^\circ\text{C/km} \times 10 \text{ km} $

    $ \Delta T = 64 \text{ } ^\circ\text{C} $

  2. Calculate the Ground Temperature: The ground temperature is the temperature at altitude plus the total temperature decrease (change) from the ground up to that altitude.

    Ground Temperature = Temperature at Altitude + Temperature Change

    $ T_{ground} = T_{10km} + \Delta T $

    $ T_{ground} = -40 \text{ } ^\circ\text{C} + 64 \text{ } ^\circ\text{C} $

    $ T_{ground} = 24 \text{ } ^\circ\text{C} $

Conclusion:

Based on the calculation using an implied lapse rate of 6.4 $^\circ$C/km, the ambient temperature on the ground is 24 $^\circ$C.

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Important Questions from Atmosphere

  1. In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index? 

    1. Carbon dioxide 

    2. Carbon monoxide 

    3. Nitrogen dioxide 

    4. Sulfur dioxide 

    5. Methane 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  2. A layer in the Earth's atmosphere called Ionosphere facilitates radio communication. Why? 

    1) The presence of ozone causes the reflection of radio waves to Earth. 

    2) Radio waves have a very long wavelength. 

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  3. The jet aircrafts fly very easily and smoothly in the lower stratosphere. What could be the appropriate explanation? 

    1) There are no clouds or water vapour in the lower stratosphere. 

    2) There are no vertical winds in the lower stratosphere. 

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct in this context?

  4. The increasing amount of carbon dioxide in the air is slowly raising the temperature of the atmosphere, because it absorbs

  5. Which one of the following is associated with the issue of control and phasing out of the use of ozone-depleting substances?

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