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Rule of thumb - change in temperature with change in elevation or latitude

Generally, temperature decreases as elevation increases. For every 1,000 foot increase in elevation, temperature decreases three (3) degrees Fahrenheit, and vice versa. As latitude becomes more northward in the Northern Hemisphere and more southerly in the Southern Hemisphere, temperature decreases. The general rule is that temperature changes three (3) degrees Fahrenheit for every 300 mile change in latitude at an elevation of sea level. These temperature changes influence greatly the diversity and abundance of plant and animal species from place to place. However, other factors such as soil, topography, aspect, and precipitation are also extremely important in determining the types of plant and animal life that occur in any given area.

Added: Tue Jan 22 2008
Last Modified: Thu Apr 03 2008

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