Height above sea level. Temperature drops about 6.5°C for every 1,000 metres gained in elevation.
basicWhat is Elevation?
Elevation (altitude) is one of the most important modifiers of tropical climate. The environmental lapse rate — approximately 6.5°C per 1,000 metres — means that hill stations and highland cities are dramatically cooler than nearby lowlands. Baguio (1,500 m), Cameron Highlands (1,500 m), Da Lat (1,500 m) and Bandung (768 m) all owe their pleasant climates to elevation. Mount Kinabalu (4,095 m) experiences temperatures below freezing despite being just 6° from the equator.
Key points
- Height above sea level. Temperature drops about 6.5°C for every 1,000 metres gained in elevation.
- Category: basic
Related terms
See also: elevation is connected to other weather concepts. Browse the full glossary for related definitions.