The Parameterization of Tropospheric Lapse Rates in Terms of Surface Temperature

Abstract

Abstract The relationship between the lapse rate of temperature and the surface temperature is investigated by comparing the zonally averaged temperature structure of the atmosphere to that which is generated by several assumptions concerning the lapse rate. It is found that the value of ∂θ/∂p for any given temperature sounding is essentially constant, but that this value varies with both latitude and season. The ratio of ∂θ/∂p to the value of ∂θ/∂p along a moist adiabat at the surface is found empirically to have a cubic dependence on the surface temperature. This dependence is used to define a relationship between the surface temperature and the lapse rate which can be used to generate a zonally averaged temperature structure for the troposphere which is in good agreement with that which is observed. The parameterization is suitable for use in a climate model based either on radiative equilibrium or zonally averaged energy balance calculations.