What phenomenon is indicated by a significant drop in temperature as altitude increases?

The phenomenon indicated by a significant drop in temperature as altitude increases is known as the temperature lapse rate. This concept refers to the rate at which temperature decreases with an increase in altitude in the atmosphere. Typically, in the troposphere, the average lapse rate is about 6.5 degrees Celsius per kilometer. This cooling occurs due to the decrease in air pressure and density at higher elevations, which allows heat to dissipate more quickly into the surrounding environment.

Understanding the temperature lapse rate is crucial for weather prediction and aviation safety, as changes in temperature with altitude can affect weather patterns, cloud formation, and turbulence. In contrast, other terms like the inversion layer refer to a situation where temperature increases with altitude, which is the opposite of what the lapse rate describes. Concepts such as geostrophic wind and temperature stratification cover different atmospheric dynamics and conditions that do not specifically relate to the temperature drop with altitude.