Which of the following decreases as elevation increases?a)Cloudsb)Temp...
Answer is b)TemperatureThe temperature not always decrease with increasing altitude.
There are 5 types of atmosphere they are given below
(i)Troposhere about 12km above the earth.Temperature is about -51degrees celcius
(ii)Stratosphere approximately 12 to 50 km above the earth.Temperature about -15 degrees celcius because this the part where the ozone layer is there and absorbs radiation.
(iii)Mesosphere about 50 to 80km above the earth.Temperature about -90 degrees celcius.
(iv)Thermosphere about 80 to 700km above the earth. Temperature about 500 to 2,000 degrees celcius because of the radiation emmited by the sun.
(v) Exoshphere about 700 to 10,000km above the earth.Temperature about o to 1700 degrees celcius.It is last layer of the atmosphere.
Which of the following decreases as elevation increases?a)Cloudsb)Temp...
Temperature decreases as elevation increases.
Explanation:
When we talk about elevation, we are referring to the height or distance above sea level. As elevation increases, there are several factors that change, including temperature. Here's an explanation of why temperature decreases as elevation increases:
1. Relationship between temperature and altitude:
As we move higher above sea level, the atmospheric pressure decreases. The pressure at higher altitudes is lower because there is less air above to exert pressure. The decrease in pressure leads to a decrease in temperature. This relationship between temperature and altitude is known as the lapse rate.
2. Adiabatic cooling:
As air rises to higher altitudes, it expands due to the lower pressure. According to the gas laws, when air expands, the temperature decreases. This process is known as adiabatic cooling. As a result, the air becomes cooler as it rises to higher elevations.
3. Absorption and reflection of sunlight:
At higher elevations, the atmosphere is thinner, and there is less air to absorb and retain heat. The thinner atmosphere allows more sunlight to pass through without being absorbed. Additionally, the angle at which sunlight reaches the Earth's surface changes with elevation. At higher altitudes, the angle is usually steeper, resulting in less direct sunlight and lower temperatures.
4. Orographic effect:
Elevation changes can also affect temperature through the orographic effect. When air is forced to rise over mountains or elevated terrain, it cools as it gains altitude. This cooling effect can lead to lower temperatures in mountainous regions compared to lower-lying areas.
Conclusion:
In summary, as elevation increases, the temperature decreases due to the relationship between temperature and altitude, adiabatic cooling, reduced absorption and reflection of sunlight, and the orographic effect. Therefore, option B is the correct answer.
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