What does a steep environmental lapse rate indicate?

A steep environmental lapse rate indicates a rapid temperature decrease with height. In meteorological terms, the environmental lapse rate refers to the rate at which air temperature decreases with an increase in altitude. When this rate is steep, it signifies that as one ascends in the atmosphere, the temperature drops quickly, which is often associated with unstable air conditions. This rapid cooling with altitude can lead to strong vertical motions, making it conducive for the development of weather phenomena such as thunderstorms.

Instability in the atmosphere, indicated by a steep lapse rate, can promote rising air and the potential for convection. This contrasts with a situation characterized by little change in temperature with height, which would suggest a more stable atmosphere where vertical motion is suppressed. Understanding the implications of the environmental lapse rate is crucial for predicting weather patterns and assessing the stability of the atmosphere.