Final answer:
Temperature typically decreases with increasing elevation due to less direct sunlight, the thinning atmosphere, and various environmental interactions. Higher altitudes result in lower temperatures and more reflection of sunlight from surfaces like snow.
Step-by-step explanation:
How Elevation Affects Daytime Temperature
Temperature tends to decrease as elevation increases. This phenomenon is due in part to the thinning atmosphere at higher altitudes, which holds less heat. Additionally, higher elevations receive less direct sunlight due to the angle of the Sun's rays. At the Earth's surface, the Sun's elevation, or its angle above the horizon, impacts the intensity of sunlight. For instance, when the Sun is near the horizon, its rays cover a larger area, diluting the heat over a wider surface. Conversely, a higher Sun angle, like that during summer at noon, provides more direct and concentrated heating.
Another aspect to consider is that higher altitudes can have more snow cover on mountain slopes, which reflects sunlight and contributes to lower temperatures during the day, even when they're above the freezing point. The surface area of contact between air and the ground, and the degree of air convection are also influential. A higher altitude usually means a lower temperature because the atmosphere is less dense and can't hold as much heat.
Furthermore, the greenhouse effect and its correlation with elevation illustrate how the retention of heat within the atmosphere is integral to surface temperatures. With increased elevation, this effect is diminished, leading to cooler temperatures.