1. Air Pressure and Density: As altitude increases, air pressure and density decrease. The lower air pressure at higher elevations means less air mass to trap heat, resulting in lower temperatures.
2. Adiabatic Cooling: As air rises, it expands and cools down. This is because the rising air loses heat to its surroundings through a process called adiabatic cooling. The higher the elevation, the greater the amount of cooling.
3. Distance from the Sun: At higher elevations, the distance from the sun increases, which leads to less direct solar radiation reaching the surface. This reduced solar radiation contributes to lower temperatures.
4. Cloud Cover and Precipitation: Higher elevations often experience increased cloud cover and precipitation, which can further reduce the amount of solar radiation reaching the ground and contribute to lower temperatures.
The exact temperature change with elevation can vary based on specific geographical locations and weather patterns. However, in general, the temperature decreases by approximately 6.4 degrees Celsius (11.5 degrees Fahrenheit) for every 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) increase in elevation.
This temperature variation has significant effects on the vegetation, climate, and ecosystems found along the elevational gradient of the Andes. Different regions experience distinct temperature zones, ranging from tropical lowlands to high-altitude alpine environments, each with its own unique set of flora and fauna.
