Polytropic Atmosphere

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Polytropic Atmosphere

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A model atmosphere in hydrostatic equilibrium with a constant nonzero lapse rate. The vertical distribution of pressure and temperature is given by

p/p₀ = (T/T₀)^g/Rγ

where p is the pressure; T is the Kelvin temperature; g is the acceleration of gravity; R is the gas constant for the gases concerned; and γ is the environmental lapse rate. The subscript 0 denotes values at the planet's surface. </dd>

References

This article is based on NASA's Dictionary of Technical Terms for Aerospace Use