• Question: Why is it colder as you get higher even though your closer to the sun?

    Asked by to Edward, Ian, Mathew, Naomi, sakshisharda on 17 Jun 2014. This question was also asked by .
    • Photo: Naomi Osborne

      Naomi Osborne answered on 17 Jun 2014:

      Great question!

      This is because of atmospheric pressure and the way gas molecules in the atmosphere move.

      The faster molecules move – the higher the temperature. Nearer Earth, the pull of gravity increases pressure – so air moves faster and it’s warmed. As you get higher, pressure becomes lower and air moves slower, so it’s colder. Radiation bouncing from the Earth’s ground also helps increase temperature – which is lost are you move higher into the atmosphere.

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