What does the dry adiabatic lapse rate indicate?

The dry adiabatic lapse rate indicates the rate at which the temperature of a rising air parcel decreases due to the decrease in pressure as it ascends in the atmosphere. Specifically, this rate is approximately 5.5 degrees Fahrenheit for every 1,000 feet of elevation change. As an air parcel rises, it encounters lower pressure, and because it is not exchanging heat with its environment (adiabatic process), it cools. This cooling occurs purely due to the expansion of air, resulting in a decrease in temperature without the addition or removal of heat.

Understanding this concept is crucial for pilots and meteorologists since it helps predict weather patterns and thermal development, which directly influence glider performance and safety during flight.