What Is Altitude? — Reading Comprehension

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This reading passage delves into the concept of altitude, defining it as the height above a reference point, typically sea level. It explores how altitude affects key environmental factors like air pressure and temperature, providing a foundational understanding for students. The passage explains the importance of altitude in various fields, from aviation and meteorology to geography, and provides real-world examples like mountain climbing and air travel. This text is designed to align with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), specifically connecting to the Disciplinary Core Idea of ESS2: Earth's Systems. It helps students understand the interconnections between Earth's systems and human activity. This passage is also audio-integrated, making it accessible for diverse learners and an excellent resource for classroom instruction and independent study. The content is suitable for elementary and middle school science curricula, introducing core concepts in a clear and engaging manner.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Mountain, a plane, and a cloud at different heights above sea level. — Altitude is measured from sea level up a mountain and into the atmosphere.

Altitude refers to the vertical height of an object or a point above a reference plane, most commonly sea level. It is a fundamental concept in various fields, including aviation, meteorology, and geography. Understanding altitude is crucial for pilots, mountain climbers, and weather scientists. As you ascend to higher altitudes, several changes occur. The air becomes thinner, meaning there are fewer oxygen molecules and lower air pressure. This is why mountain climbers often need supplemental oxygen at very high altitudes. Additionally, temperatures drop as you climb higher. The air at high altitudes is not good at trapping heat, so it cools down significantly. This is the primary reason why mountaintops are often covered in snow and ice, even in warm climates.

The term altitude can also describe the height of an aircraft in flight. Pilots use instruments like an altimeter to measure their altitude, which is essential for safe navigation and to maintain a safe distance from other planes and the ground. In geography, altitude is used to measure the height of landforms like mountains, plateaus, and hills. Mount Everest, for example, has the highest altitude on Earth, reaching over 29,000 feet above sea level. Knowing the altitude of a location helps us understand its climate, which plants and animals can survive there, and even how people live. Whether you are on a plane, climbing a mountain, or simply looking at a map, the concept of altitude is always a key factor.

Fun Fact: The highest cloud formations on Earth, called noctilucent clouds, form at an altitude of about 50 miles (80 kilometers) above the Earth's surface, in the coldest part of our atmosphere.

What happens to air pressure as you ascend to higher altitudes?

It increasesIt stays the sameIt decreasesIt becomes humid

What is the highest point on Earth with the highest altitude?

Mount KilimanjaroMount EverestMount DenaliMount Fuji

Based on the passage, why do mountain climbers sometimes need supplemental oxygen?

The air gets warmer at high altitudesThere is more air pressure at high altitudesThe air is thinner with less oxygen at high altitudesThe air is too polluted at high altitudes

Why might a city located on a plateau have a cooler climate than a city at sea level in the same region?

The sun is weaker at higher altitudesThe air is less dense and can't hold as much heatThe plateau is closer to the North PoleThere are more clouds above a plateau

What is the primary function of an altimeter on an airplane?

To measure temperatureTo measure speedTo determine directionTo measure vertical height

If a new type of plant is discovered that thrives in very low-pressure environments, where would you most likely find it?

At the bottom of a deep canyonAt the peak of a tall mountainNear the ocean's surfaceIn a humid jungle

If a group of hikers begins a climb at an altitude of 1,000 feet and ends at 5,000 feet, what would they expect to happen to the temperature?

It would get warmerIt would get colderIt would stay the sameIt would first get warmer, then colder

You are flying in an airplane and the altimeter shows a constant reading. What does this most likely mean?

The plane is moving at a constant speedThe plane is flying at a constant heightThe plane is changing directionThe plane is experiencing an engine problem