What happens when the altitude increases with respect to temperature?

As altitude increases in the atmosphere, temperature typically decreases. This phenomenon occurs due to the way air pressure and density change with height. In the troposphere, which is the lowest layer of the Earth's atmosphere, temperature generally decreases at a rate of about 2 degrees Celsius for every 1,000 feet climbed.

This decrease in temperature with altitude can be attributed to several factors, including the way that solar radiation is absorbed by the Earth and the subsequent re-radiation of heat. The surface of the Earth absorbs sunlight and warms up; this warm air rises but cools as it ascends because of the lower pressure at higher altitudes. The air expands and, in doing so, loses energy in the form of heat, hence resulting in cooler temperatures as one goes higher.

Understanding this relationship is crucial for pilots, as they need to be aware of how temperatures change with altitude to make informed decisions regarding aircraft performance, including engine efficiency, lift generation, and safety measures related to weather conditions.