Elevation: A Key Factor Affecting Climate — Passage
Elevation, or the height of a location above sea level, is a key factor affecting climate. As elevation increases, the air becomes thinner and colder. This is why mountain peaks are often covered in snow, even in tropical regions.
For every 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) of elevation, the temperature drops by about 6.5°C (11.7°F). This is known as the lapse rate. For example, the city of Quito, Ecuador, located high in the Andes Mountains, has a cooler climate than nearby lowland areas.
High-elevation areas also receive more solar radiation because the atmosphere is thinner. However, the lack of air pressure at high altitudes can make it harder for humans to breathe.
Elevation also affects precipitation. Mountains often receive more rainfall on their windward side, while the leeward side remains dry, creating a rain shadow effect.
Fun fact: Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world, has temperatures as low as -60°C (-76°F)!
What is elevation?
The distance from the equatorThe height above sea levelThe amount of rainfall in a regionThe type of vegetation in an areaWhat happens to temperature as elevation increases?
It increasesIt decreasesIt stays the sameIt becomes unpredictableWhat is the lapse rate?
The rate at which elevation increasesThe rate at which temperature drops with elevationThe rate at which rainfall increasesThe rate at which vegetation growsWhat is one example of a high-elevation city with a cool climate?
Quito, EcuadorMiami, FloridaPhoenix, ArizonaNew York CityWhy do high-elevation areas receive more solar radiation?
The atmosphere is thickerThe atmosphere is thinnerThey are closer to the equatorThey have more vegetationWhat is the rain shadow effect?
More rainfall on the leeward side of mountainsMore rainfall on the windward side of mountainsNo rainfall in mountainous areasEqual rainfall on both sides of mountainsWhat is the fun fact mentioned in the passage?
Mount Everest has temperatures as low as -60°CElevation does not affect temperatureHigh-elevation areas have no precipitationThe lapse rate is the same everywhereWhat is one challenge of high-elevation areas for humans?
Thicker air makes it easier to breatheThinner air makes it harder to breatheHigher temperatures make it uncomfortableLower solar radiation reduces visibilityCommon core standards covered
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