Final answer:
Elevation influences temperature due to thinner air at higher altitudes, reducing heat retention. Factors such as rates of evaporation, sun elevation, and the specific heat of water contribute to snow persisting on mountains despite warmer daytime temperatures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Elevation influences temperature because as altitude increases, the air becomes thinner and can't hold as much heat, which results in lower temperatures. Even when daytime temperatures at high altitudes are above the freezing point, snow can remain on mountain slopes due to several factors. Firstly, the rate of evaporation increases with temperature, but the colder air at higher altitudes holds less moisture, which slows down the snow's melting. Secondly, the elevation of the Sun affects how much heat is received on the Earth's surface; during winter, the Sun is lower in the sky, and the sunlight spreads out over a larger area, reducing the heating effect. Finally, specific heat of water is high, meaning water (including snow) absorbs and releases heat slowly, allowing snow to persist despite temporary rises in temperature.