Question

Climbing to the top of Mt. Whitney in California, what would you expect to happen to the temperature on the mountain as you ascend?
- You would experience a decrease in temperature as you climb.

Answer 1

Yes, that is correct. As you ascend Mt. Whitney, or any mountain, you can generally expect the temperature to decrease. This phenomenon happens due to several factors, including the decrease in air pressure and the fact that the atmosphere gets thinner at higher altitudes, which means there is less air to hold heat. On average, the temperature can drop about 3.5°F (2°C) for every 1,000 feet (305 meters) of elevation gain. Therefore, as you climb higher up Mt. Whitney, you should be prepared for cooler temperatures compared to those at the base.