Question

How does temperature change as elevation increases in mountainous areas?

temperature drops by 1 degree per 1,000 feet
temperature decreases by 3.5 degrees per 1,000 feet
temperature increases by 3.5 degrees per 1,000 feet
temperature remains constant at all elevations

Answer 1

In mountainous areas, temperature generally decreases with increasing elevation. The commonly accepted average rate of temperature change with elevation, known as the environmental lapse rate, is approximately **3.5 degrees Fahrenheit per 1,000 feet**. Therefore, the correct answer is:

**temperature decreases by 3.5 degrees per 1,000 feet.**

This means that as you climb higher in altitude, the temperature typically drops by about 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain.