What Can You Learn from a Thermometer on a Rising Balloon?
ES1702  Graph of Temperature versus Height

This graph displays the temperature recorded by the radiosonde at different altitudes. Each record of radiosonde data from a balloon launch is referred to as a sounding.

  !   Examine the graph to understand how the temperature changed as the balloon rose.


Data from National Weather Service
Balloon Sounding from Riverton, Wyoming 12Z, August 20, 2001
2. Write a general statement that describes how the air temperature changes as the balloon rises through the atmosphere.

3. Commercial airplanes typically fly at an altitude of about 12,000 meters. What would the air temperature be at that altitude? 



	

 	

		
			
	

	
	

		 
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