With a certain formula, the temperature in the atmosphere can calculate for how much the temperature falls compared to the increase in altitude and vice versa. This lapse rate pertains to the radiation and greenhouse effect. Scientists use this formula to determine whether these environmental problems are becoming a bigger and bigger problem.
Many times meteorologists will analyze the lapse rate in order to determine the effect it has on the weather. Air that rises needs to be determined if it will reach the altitude to become clouds. When the air increases in altitude, the temperature will decrease. This is known as the dry adiabatic rate. As a result of this, the water vapor will increase due to the dew point dropping.
