Question

Air temperature decreases in Ben Nevis, Scotland, as elevation increases. Figure 1 shows the changes in elevation and temperature at the mountain.

The image is titled “Figure 1. Temperature Decrease with Elevation at Ben Nevis, Scotland.” It shows a picture of a mountain starting at sea level and rising upward to the top labeled “summit 1347 m.” Just above sea level, there are markers indicating the temperature at each elevation. The temperature markers, from bottom to top, are labeled, “+10°C,” “8°C,” “6°C,” “4°C,” “2°C,” “0°C,” “-2°C,” and “-3.5°C” at the summit. The summit is covered in snow.

Which statements best support an argument that the pattern in the air temperature is related to the elevation in Ben Nevis, Scotland?

Select two of the five statements.

A.
The concentration of air molecules decreases at higher elevations.

B.
The concentration of air molecules increases at higher elevations.

C.
Higher elevations receive less sunlight than areas of lower elevation.

D.
The nearby ocean decreases the moisture content of the atmosphere at lower elevations.

E.
Pressure decreases at higher elevations, which allows more heat to escape into the atmosphere.

Answer 1

A and E.

Reason: As elevation increases air pressure and the concentration (density) of air molecules decrease (A and E). Fewer molecules and lower pressure mean rising air expands and cools (adiabatic cooling) and the air holds less heat, so temperature drops with elevation.