As height increases, what happens to temperature?

As altitude increases in the Earth's atmosphere, the temperature generally decreases. This phenomenon occurs due to the way air is heated by the Earth's surface. The ground absorbs sunlight and warms up; as warm air rises, it expands and cools. Consequently, at higher altitudes, where there is less air pressure and density, the temperature tends to drop. This is why the correct response is that temperature decreases as height increases.

In practical terms, this principle is evident when climbing mountains or flying in an aircraft, where individuals often experience colder temperatures as they ascend. Understanding this relationship is crucial for various fields, including meteorology, aviation, and fire safety, as different temperatures can affect fire dynamics and behavior in various environments.