at what altitide(height above earth's surface) would temperatures be 22 degrees C?
To determine the altitude at which temperatures would be 22 degrees Celsius, you need to understand the concept of the temperature lapse rate. The temperature lapse rate refers to the rate at which atmospheric temperature changes with increasing altitude. This rate is not constant and can vary depending on various factors such as atmospheric conditions, location, and time.
One commonly used average temperature lapse rate is 6.5 degrees Celsius per 1000 meters (or 3.5 degrees Fahrenheit per 1000 feet). However, it is important to note that the actual temperature lapse rate can deviate significantly from this average.
With that in mind, we can use the average lapse rate as an estimate to calculate the altitude where temperatures reach 22 degrees Celsius:
1. Determine the temperature difference between the desired temperature (22 degrees Celsius) and the reference temperature at sea level (which is typically around 15 degrees Celsius).
Temperature difference = Desired temperature - Reference temperature
Temperature difference = 22 degrees Celsius - 15 degrees Celsius
Temperature difference = 7 degrees Celsius
2. Calculate the number of lapse rate intervals required to reach the desired temperature.
Number of lapse rate intervals = Temperature difference / Lapse rate per interval
Number of lapse rate intervals = 7 degrees Celsius / 6.5 degrees Celsius per 1000 meters
3. Convert the lapse rate intervals to altitude:
Altitude = Number of lapse rate intervals * Lapse rate per interval * Conversion factor
The conversion factor is the number of meters or feet in one lapse rate interval:
For meters: 1 lapse rate interval = 1000 meters
For feet: 1 lapse rate interval = 3280.84 feet
Using the conversion factor, you can convert the number of intervals into the desired units of altitude.
It's important to note that this method provides an approximation, as the actual temperature lapse rate can deviate from the average. Additionally, other factors, such as local weather patterns, can influence the temperature profile in the atmosphere at different altitudes.