The engineering quadrangle is approximately 235 meters above sea level. If the temperature is 15 degrees Celsius, is that above, below, or equal to the standard temperature for this altitude?

The 15 ⁰C measured at this altitude is above the standard temperature for the altitude.

Explanation:

The standard temperature at sea level is 15 degrees Celsius. It decreases about 2 degrees C (or 3.5 degrees F) per 1,000 feet of altitude above sea level.

235 meters is equal to 771 feet.

Using the formula below, we can estimate temperature loss due to this change in altitude, that is 771 feet above sea level.

temperature loss = (3.5 x Change in altitude) / 1000ft

temperature loss = (3.5 x 771ft) / 1000ft = 2.7⁰F, (32 - 2.7 = 29.3 ⁰F)

this is equivalent to 1.5⁰C temperature loss.

Thus, the standard temperature of the engineering quadrangle at 235 meters above sea level is 13.5 ⁰C.

Therefore, the 15 ⁰C measured at this altitude is above the standard temperature for the altitude.