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Why does Antarctica's high elevation mean it is colder than the arctic?
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
Atmospheric pressure is simply the weight of the air pushing down on you from above. As you increase in elevation, there is less air above you thus the pressure decreases. As the pressure decreases, air molecules spread out further (i.e. air expands) and the temperature decreases. If the humidity is at 100% (because it's snowing!), the temperature decreases more slowly with height.
Basically, as you get higher it gets colder.
Since Antarctica is 3 kilometers above sea level, it makes sense that it would be colder than the arctic, which is mostly just the Arctic ocean.
Also, I have no idea why my writing has a gray highlight.
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
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Why is the Arctic colder than Antarctica?
Antarctica is colder than the arctic because it is a continent with high elevation, which is about 2,800 meters above sea level. The continent is considered a heat-sink for planet earth. Antarctica is about 30 degrees F colder than the Arctic.
Is the Arctic Circle a high elevation?
It's an imaginary line.
How does elevation affect the taiga biome?
It affects with temperature. The higher you go the colder it gets. Example: Mt. Hood is high in elevation and the higher that you climb the mountain the colder it gets!
Is elevaton and climate related?
Alaska's climates are affected by a large number of factors, including elevation. Virtually anywhere that has a high elevation will be colder.
Why is the south colder than the north?
Because it is in the middle of a continent and at a high elevation. While the North Pole is in the middle of an ocean which keeps temperatures higher.
Why does it snow more in mountaintops then in lower altitudes?
It is cold at very high elevations. Most rain originates as snow at high elevation, which then melts before reaching the ground.
Why it is always colder on a mountain than at sealevel?
On a mountain, due to the high elevation, the air is thinner than at sea level, which makes it less able to hold heat.
Is the elevation of a plateau is low or high?
The elevation of a plateau is high.
Is the elevation of a plain high or low?
Plains can have either a high or low elevation.
What are the results for a mountain with a high elevation?
A mountain with high elevation results to a low temperature.
Does The Rocky Mountains have low relief and high elevation?
no the rocky mountains have high relief and high elevation
Do cars have problems when moved from a warm climate to a colder one?
Not unless it is an extremely cold climate or it is an extremely high elevation. Modern computer controlled engine adjust for elevation and climate pretty well. Of course if the climate is extremely cold you would want to use a block heater.
