Temperature and Elevation

How does the temperature change as you go up in elevation?

  1. Write in today's high and low temperatures in Zitacuaro and Angangueo.
  2. Option: Calculate how many degrees Fahrenheit the temperature seems to fall with every 1,000 feet in elevation (both during the day and at night).
  3. Predict today's high and low temperatures in the monarch sanctuaries.
  4. Explain why you made the predictions you did.
  5. Figure out the difference between the coldest and warmest temperature for each location. What can you infer about elevation and day/night temperature variations? How could you be more certain about your inference?
Place Elevation Today's High Today's Low

Zitacuaro

5,500    
Angangueo 8,500    
Monarch Sanctuaries (predictions) 10,000    
* All twelve monarch sanctuaries are on mountains at or above 10,000 feet.
* The little town of Angangueo is also in the mountains, but at a lower elevation.
* The town of Zitacuaro is down in the valley, about 1 hour’s drive away.

Find out what scientists think about temperature and elevation.


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