What is the approximate rate of temperature change for the SALR?

The correct choice reflects the typical value of the Saturated Adiabatic Lapse Rate (SALR), which is approximately 1.5°C for every 1000 feet of altitude gained. This rate applies to air that is saturated with moisture, meaning it contains water vapor at its maximum capacity for a given temperature.

As air rises and expands in the atmosphere, it cools due to the decrease in pressure with altitude. In the case of saturated air, the cooling is somewhat less rapid than that of dry air, due to the release of latent heat during condensation. This unique characteristic results in the 1.5°C rate being slightly lower than the Dry Adiabatic Lapse Rate, which is about 5.5°C per 1000 feet. The correct value of 1.5°C/1000ft is thus crucial for understanding atmospheric processes, especially when considering weather systems and cloud formation.