As altitude increases in the atmosphere, both air pressure and temperature generally decrease, particularly within the lowest layer, the troposphere.
Air Pressure Variation with Altitude
Based on observations, air pressure decreases as altitude increases. This happens because there is less air pressing down from above the higher you go.
Temperature Variation with Altitude
Altitude is responsible for the decrease in temperature with altitude. This cooling effect is most noticeable in the troposphere, the atmospheric layer closest to Earth's surface.
Specific temperature decreases observed in the troposphere, as noted by sources like gml.noaa.gov, include:
- Approximately -50 degrees C at altitudes above 10km from middle latitudes to high latitudes.
- Approximately -80 degrees C at 17km in the tropics.
This general decrease in temperature with increasing altitude is known as the lapse rate and is a fundamental characteristic of the troposphere.
