What is the average pressure lapse rate in the lower troposphere?

The average pressure lapse rate in the lower troposphere is approximately 1 hPa per 30 feet. This rate reflects how atmospheric pressure decreases with an increase in altitude. In meteorology, this lapse rate is crucial for understanding how pressure changes affect weather patterns and aircraft performance, as lower pressure at higher altitudes can influence lift and engine performance.

At sea level, the average atmospheric pressure is about 1013 hPa, and as altitude increases, this pressure diminishes due to the decreasing weight of the air above. The lapse rate of 1 hPa per 30 feet serves as a guideline that simplifies the understanding of how quickly pressure drops as one ascends into the atmosphere, particularly in the troposphere where most weather phenomena occur.

Understanding this rate is vital for pilots, as they rely on pressure readings for altitude determination and aircraft performance calculations. A thorough grasp of how pressure varies with elevation is essential for safe navigation and operational decision-making in aviation.