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Difficulty: EasyClimatic Controls and World Climate Types

Which climatic factor is primarily responsible for lower atmospheric temperatures recorded in highland regions compared to nearby lowlands situated at the same latitude?

  1. AltitudeAnswer
  2. B
    Distance from the sea
  3. C
    Ocean currents
  4. D
    Latitude

Answer

Altitude
Altitude is the main climatic control involved. As altitude increases, atmospheric density and pressure decrease, reducing the atmosphere's capacity to absorb heat re-radiated from the Earth's surface. Consequently, temperatures decline at an average normal lapse rate of about 6.5∘C6.5^\circ\text{C} per 1,000 m1,000\text{ m}.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the variable factor between the two locations described.
The two places share the same latitude, meaning solar angle is identical, but one location is higher in elevation than the other.
This isolates elevation (altitude) as the primary physical control responsible for the temperature difference.
2
Apply the concept of the Normal Lapse Rate.
Within the troposphere, temperature decreases with height at an average rate of approximately 6.5∘C6.5^\circ\text{C} per 1,000 meters1,000\text{ meters} (3.5∘F3.5^\circ\text{F} per 1,000 feet1,000\text{ feet}).
Higher altitude air is less dense and absorbs less terrestrial radiation, resulting in lower temperatures.

Key Concept

Altitude as a Climatic Control and Environmental Lapse Rate
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Climatic Controls and World Climate Types

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