What term describes the distance above sea level; higher elevations are cooler temperatures?

• A. Elevation
• B. Latitude
• C. Climate
• D. Temperature

Answer: (A)

Elevation is the height of the land surface above sea level. This term fits the description because it describes how far something is from sea level, which is exactly what the question is asking. As elevation increases, air becomes thinner and cooler: the air pressure drops, the air expands and loses heat, and there’s less heat retained near the surface. That’s why higher elevations tend to have cooler temperatures, like mountain regions compared to nearby valleys. The other terms don’t describe height above sea level—latitude relates to north-south position, climate refers to overall weather patterns, and temperature is a measure of heat rather than height.