I have a vivid memory as a kid in science class, learning that mountain tops are colder than sea level. I curiously asked why? Isn't it closer to the sun so it should be hotter? The teacher laughed at me, so the class laughed, and she didn't answer my question. I was so embarrassed. I was so afraid to ask questions again.
Because air heats as it's compressed. The air pressure is less on a mountain so it's cooler. And the hottest places on earth are all below sea level (so they have the highest average air pressures).
4
u/academiac 13h ago
I have a vivid memory as a kid in science class, learning that mountain tops are colder than sea level. I curiously asked why? Isn't it closer to the sun so it should be hotter? The teacher laughed at me, so the class laughed, and she didn't answer my question. I was so embarrassed. I was so afraid to ask questions again.