Effect of Altitude and Mountains on Climate

Effect of Altitude and Mountains on Climate

Altitude, or elevation, is the height of a place above sea level. As altitude increases, temperature generally decreases. This means that even in tropical areas, tall mountains can have cold climates. Mountains also affect the climate by blocking air movement. When moist air rise...

Have you ever hiked or driven up a mountain and noticed how it gets cooler the higher you go?

As you ascend, the air becomes thinner. With fewer air molecules packed together, fewer collisions mean less heat is produced. This is why higher altitudes are noticeably colder than areas at sea level.

Consider Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania...