At +12 C and an elevation of 1,250 ft, what will be the approximate freezing level?

To determine the approximate freezing level at a given temperature and elevation, it is important to understand how temperature changes with altitude in the atmosphere. Typically, the temperature in the troposphere decreases by about 2°C for every 1,000 feet of elevation gained.

Starting at a temperature of +12°C at an elevation of 1,250 feet, we can calculate the drop in temperature as we ascend higher. The freezing level is considered to be at 0°C.

To find the elevation where the temperature reaches this level, we first need to calculate how many degrees must be lost to reach the freezing point:

12°C (starting temperature) - 0°C (freezing temperature) = 12°C of temperature drop needed.

Using the standard lapse rate, we know that the temperature drops about 2°C per 1,000 feet. To find out how high one must go to achieve a 12°C drop:

12°C ÷ 2°C per 1,000 feet = 6,000 feet.

Since we are already at 1,250 feet, we must add that to our calculated ascent:

1,250 feet + 6,000 feet = 7,250 feet.

Therefore, the approximate freezing level