What is the temperature lapse rate up to approximately 35,000 feet?

The temperature lapse rate refers to the rate at which temperature decreases with an increase in altitude in the atmosphere. For the troposphere, which extends up to about 35,000 feet, the standard average lapse rate is approximately 2 degrees Celsius per 1,000 feet. This rate can vary slightly depending on atmospheric conditions, but the 2 °C per 1,000 feet rate is widely accepted for calculations and is a good average for understanding how temperature changes with altitude.

Knowing this, it provides a foundational understanding of how altitude can affect flying conditions, aircraft performance, and overall atmospheric behavior. Understanding the lapse rate can help pilots make more informed decisions about altitude changes during flight rather than relying on incorrect assumptions about temperature changes. Thus, this value is used in aviation and aerospace physiology to account for temperature variations as altitude increases, impacting everything from engine performance to the physiological aspects affecting pilots and aircrew at higher elevations.