According to the ISA, how much does temperature typically decrease with altitude up to 36,090 feet?

Prepare for the New Zealand CPL Meteorology Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question offers hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

The correct answer reflects the standardized lapse rate in the International Standard Atmosphere (ISA), which indicates that the temperature decreases with altitude. In the ISA model, the temperature typically decreases at a rate of approximately 2.0 degrees Celsius for every 1,000 feet of altitude gain up to around 36,090 feet.

This rate is a key concept in meteorology as it helps pilots and meteorologists understand how air temperature changes with altitude, particularly in the troposphere. The model assumes a constant rate of temperature decrease in this layer of the atmosphere, which allows for simplified calculations and predictions regarding weather phenomena and aircraft performance as altitude increases.

While some values like 1.5 degrees and 3.5 degrees could be relevant in different contexts, they do not accurately reflect the ISA lapse rate. The value of 1.98 degrees is very close to the correct answer but the ISA value is conventionally rounded to 2.0 degrees per 1,000 feet for ease of use and clarity in training and application. Thus, selecting approximately 2.0 degrees as the answer is appropriate within the established norms of ISA.

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