Why Mountains Are Cooler and Cities Warmer

Mountain Cooling Factors

• Altitude: Air thins, holds less heat; temperature drops ~6.4°C per 1,000 m.
• Lower Pressure: Heat escapes more easily to space.
• Less Solar Radiation: Cloud cover and terrain shadows reduce direct sun.
• Cold Air Trapping: Valleys collect cold air inversions.

Urban Warming Factors

• Urban Heat Island: Buildings/roads absorb and slowly release heat.
• Less Vegetation: Fewer plants to shade and transpire moisture.
• Pollution/Aerosols: Trap heat in the lower atmosphere.
• Human Activity: Vehicles, industry, HVAC release waste heat.