Weather theoryQuestion 328 of 934

What is the dry adiabatic lapse rate for unsaturated air?

  1. 1 °C (2 °F) per 1,000 feet
  2. 5 °C (9 °F) per 1,000 feet
  3. 0.5 °C (1 °F) per 1,000 feet
  4. 3 °C (5.4 °F) per 1,000 feet
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Correct answer: 3 °C (5.4 °F) per 1,000 feet

Unsaturated air cools at 3 °C (5.4 °F) per 1,000 feet as it rises.

Source: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), Chapter 12: Weather Theory — Atmospheric Stability, page 297

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Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026