Final answer:
To estimate a tropical mountain's height using temperature and humidity patterns, one applies the environmental lapse rate and observes changes in humidity with elevation.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the height of a mountain in the tropics by knowing only temperature and humidity patterns, one can employ the environmental lapse rate, which is the rate of temperature decrease with elevation. Since it gets colder as you go higher above sea level, you can estimate the mountain's height by measuring the temperature at its base and at various points up the mountain. The standard lapse rate is roughly 6.5°C per 1000 meters. Additionally, humidity can give clues about elevation as air tends to become drier the higher you ascend. With these patterns, one can make an educated guess of the mountain's altitude.