Why Does It Get Colder as You Go Up a Mountain?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why does it get colder as you go up a mountain?

The Big Idea

It gets colder as you go up a mountain because the air higher up is thinner and cooler! On average, air cools about 3.5 degrees Fahrenheit for every 1,000 feet you climb. That is why mountaintops can be snowy while valleys are warm.

Warm Ground

Step one: warm ground. Sunshine warms the ground, and the ground warms the air right next to it. So the air near the bottom of a mountain stays warmer.

Less Air Above

Step two: less air above. Higher up, there is less air above to press down, so the air spreads out and cools. Thinner air also holds less heat.

Colder Climb

Step three: a colder climb. Air cools about 3.5 degrees Fahrenheit for every 1,000 feet. Climbing 3,000 feet can feel like cooling off by about 10 degrees.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! At the bottom, the valley is warm. A little higher, the forest feels cooler. Higher still, the bare rock is cold. And at the top, snow stays on the peak.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Air cools about 3.5 degrees Fahrenheit per 1,000 feet. Wind on a mountain makes it feel even colder. Weather can change fast, so grown-ups pack extra layers. Always dress warmly when you visit high places.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! On a calm day, go with a grown-up to the bottom and top of a hill. Check the temperature with a thermometer at each spot. Is it different? Share what you discover with a grown-up.

Outro

The higher you go, the thinner and colder the air becomes. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!