What happens to temperature as elevation increases?

As elevation increases, temperature typically decreases. This phenomenon is due to the way the Earth's atmosphere is structured and how it absorbs and retains heat. At higher altitudes, there is less air above, resulting in lower atmospheric pressure and a decrease in temperature. The air is also less dense at higher elevations, which means that there are fewer molecules to absorb and retain heat.

The general trend observed is known as the environmental lapse rate, which averages about 6.5 degrees Celsius for every kilometer of ascent in the troposphere. However, this rate can vary based on factors such as humidity and weather conditions. Overall, as you ascend in elevation, the consistent decrease in temperature is a fundamental concept in understanding climate and weather patterns across different geographical locations.