What is the average rate of adiabatic cooling?

The average rate of adiabatic cooling for unsaturated air is indeed approximately 2 degrees Celsius per 1,000 feet of ascent. This phenomenon occurs because as air rises, the pressure decreases, allowing the air to expand. When this expansion happens, the air cools without any heat being added or removed from the surrounding environment, which is characterized as an adiabatic process.

The rate of cooling can change depending on whether the air is saturated or unsaturated. For saturated air, the cooling rate is lower—commonly around 1.5 degrees Celsius per 1,000 feet—due to the heat released when moisture condenses. Understanding the distinction between these rates is important in meteorology and aviation, as it can impact weather patterns and flight conditions.

By recognizing that the average adiabatic cooling rate is roughly 2 degrees Celsius per 1,000 feet, you can better grasp how air temperature changes with altitude, which is crucial for safe drone operation and flight planning.