Why is it colder at higher elevations if the land is closer to the Sun than at sea level?
2006-09-02 06:58:22 · 8 answers · asked by Laughing Libra 6 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Weather
The pressure drops as the air rises; there's less air pressing on it.
2006-09-02 07:02:01 · answer #1 · answered by Asher S 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The sun is 93 million miles away. The highest mountain we have is about 8 km high. So the difference is marginal.
As the air at hihger altitudes is thiner it's ability to preserve and insulate heat is less. Therefore it is colder.
2006-09-02 07:00:05 · answer #2 · answered by evil_tiger_lily 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Less land mass to reflect/absorb the heat from the sun. Think of it this way you have ------- much land mass to get heated vs -- this much. Of course if you go really really high like outside of the planet earth you will get baked by cosmic rays ect so I guess it just depends on how higher you wana go... :)
2006-09-02 07:33:46 · answer #3 · answered by magpiesmn 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The air is thinner so its cooler. When an airplane flies at about 35,000 feet, the outside temp is -20 degrees. When Palm Springs is 106, up on the aerial tramway, its 76 degrees, at 5,000 feet.
2006-09-02 09:50:59 · answer #4 · answered by bigmikejones 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is less air at higher elevations, therefore there is less atmosphere to retain heat, hence it is colder.
2006-09-02 07:01:38 · answer #5 · answered by jetfighter 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
air cools as it raises so the higher you are the cooler it will be. there are also less air molecule movement around. thats why the air is cooler.
just how the atmosphere is =)
2006-09-02 07:17:21 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
because of the moisture and the lack of humidity
as you get higher, air tends to be thin and there wll be less heat
2006-09-02 07:04:15 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the air gets thinner as you go up... less air to retain the heat trapped by the atmosphere
2006-09-02 06:59:58 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋