How do snow lines change with altitude in mountains?
Quick Answer
As altitude increases, temperature drops, so snow lasts longer and can accumulate year after year. The permanent snow line is lower in cold or humid climates and higher in warm, dry ones.
The Full Story
Mountains often show clear elevation zones, and one of the most important is the snow line, where snow survives through at least part of the year. Above this level, temperatures are generally colder and snow accumulation can outpace melting. The exact elevation varies with latitude, slope direction, humidity, and seasonal snowfall, so it is much lower near the poles than in the tropics. In the Himalayas, the snow line can be far above 4,000 meters, while in colder mountain regions it can be much lower. This shift controls where glaciers can exist and where alpine vegetation can grow.
Key Facts
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"Why does snow stay on some mountains but not others?"
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