Why do some mountain peaks keep snow year-round even near the equator?
Quick Answer
Temperature falls with altitude, so very high peaks stay cold enough for snow and ice. If snowfall adds up faster than melting, permanent snowfields can persist.
The Full Story
Air temperature generally drops with height at an average environmental lapse rate of about 6.5 °C per kilometer. That means mountains can reach freezing conditions even in tropical regions where lowlands are warm. If a peak is high enough, snow that falls there does not fully melt during the year, allowing glaciers or permanent snowfields to survive. This is why equatorial peaks such as Kilimanjaro and parts of the Andes can remain snow-capped despite their tropical location.
Key Facts
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