Temperature decrease with elevation because:
A)insolation is less intense
B)outgoing longwave radiation losses are larger
C)air pressure decreases so the atmosphere becomes less dense
D)none of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

As elevation increases, air pressure decreases, which causes the atmosphere to become less dense. This decrease in density leads to a decrease in temperature because the air molecules are more spread out and have less thermal energy. This process is known as adiabatic cooling. However, A and B are also true to some extent. Insolation (incoming solar radiation) is indeed less intense at higher elevations due to the angle of incidence and atmospheric absorption, and outgoing longwave radiation losses may also contribute to cooling at high elevations.

Temperature Decrease with Elevation Because