|
What causes the lapse rate to be different from that predicted. Essentially in most cases it is due to the act that the earth can heat up under the influence of the sun faster than the surrounding air and can cool down at night faster than the atmosphere. In totally overcast conditions, whether at day or night, we usually find that the actual lapse rates are very close to the predicted lapse rates. This is because in the daytime the heating effect of the sun is prevented and at night the cloud over serves to prevent heat loss from the earth.
|