What is the standard lapse rate?

The standard lapse rate is defined as the rate at which temperature decreases with an increase in altitude in the atmosphere. Under typical conditions, as one ascends through the atmosphere, the temperature generally drops at an average rate of about 6.5 degrees Celsius for every 1,000 meters gained in elevation. This cooling with altitude is crucial for understanding various meteorological and aviation phenomena, as well as planning flight operations and routes.

In contrast, inversion refers to a situation where the temperature increases with altitude, which is the opposite of the lapse rate. Adiabatic change relates to temperature changes in a moving air parcel without heat exchange, which while related to altitude, does not define the standard lapse rate itself. Finally, an increase in temperature with altitude, as mentioned, contradicts the definition of the standard lapse rate. Therefore, the correct interpretation of the standard lapse rate is the decrease in temperature with altitude.