Abstract
Most GCMs indicate distinct elevational signals in temperature response to global warming, both in the free-air and at the surface, although modelled changes are spatially variable, in magnitude and in sign. In this study, daily climate observations (1968–1995) from two sites in northern England, representative of upland and lowland environments, are used to derive a regionally representative lapse rate. The lapse rates of daily maximum and minimum temperatures show strong seasonal and diurnal patterns, and relationships with synoptic conditions, classified using the Lamb classification. Synoptic types with westerly components show the most rapid decrease of temperature with elevation. Lapse rates are also steeper when there is a strong altitudinal increase in cloud cover, decrease in sunshine duration, or strong wind shear.
Lapse rates are becoming steeper by day but weaker at night (p
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1-16 |
Number of pages | 16 |
Journal | Theoretical and Applied Climatology |
Volume | 68 |
Issue number | 1-2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2001 |