Final answer:
Temperatures at higher elevations are generally lower compared to temperatures at lower elevations. Several factors contribute to this phenomenon, including less dense air, increased scattering and absorption of sunlight, and the presence of snow and ice.
Step-by-step explanation:
Temperatures at higher elevations are generally lower compared to temperatures at lower elevations. This is because the temperature decreases as altitude increases. There are several reasons for this phenomenon:
- As you move to higher altitudes, the air becomes less dense. This means there are fewer air molecules to absorb and retain heat, leading to lower temperatures.
- The angle and intensity of the sun's rays also play a role. At higher altitudes, the sun's rays have to pass through a greater thickness of the atmosphere, which leads to more scattering and absorption of the sunlight. As a result, less heat reaches the surface, resulting in cooler temperatures.
- Finally, the presence of snow and ice at higher altitudes can also contribute to the lower temperatures. Snow reflects a significant amount of sunlight, preventing it from reaching the surface and warming the area.