How do high-altitude deserts stay so cold at night?

Quick Answer

Thin, dry air loses heat quickly after sunset, and there is little water vapor to trap warmth. High-altitude deserts can have very large day-night temperature swings.

The Full Story

Cold deserts at high elevation, such as those on plateaus and in mountain rain shadows, often heat up fast by day and cool rapidly at night. Dry air contains little water vapor, and water vapor is one of the main greenhouse gases that helps hold warmth near the ground. At altitude, the thinner atmosphere also means less heat is retained after sunset. As a result, temperatures can swing dramatically within 24 hours. This is why some desert plateaus experience freezing nights even when daytime temperatures are hot.

Key Facts

1.Dry air traps less heat at night

2.High-altitude deserts often have large daily temperature swings

3.Cold desert nights can fall below freezing

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