WHAT IS A MOUNTAIN CLIMATE?


          In the most mountainous regions of the world, the climate will often be very different from that of the land that surrounds them. The freezing climate of the Himalayas, for example, is surrounded by desert, warm temperate, and monsoon climates.



          Lower down, the climate may be milder (temperate), suitable for lots of different plants and trees to grow, which in turn, provide food for a wide variety of animals. Higher up, plants and animals are fewer: they have to be highly adapted to survive, as the climate becomes much harsher. It’s windy and cold. Frozen ground means that there is not much water available and the soil is shallow. Humans also struggle to cope at high altitude (a fancy word for great height), because the air becomes much thinner, meaning that there is less oxygen available for your body to use.



          Mountain weather conditions can change in a split second! Well, maybe not quite that quickly but in just a few minutes clouds can gather and a thunderstorm begins. That’s why mountaineers have to be ready for anything; they pack their rucksacks really carefully and carry emergency kit like tents and extra food. Professional climbers always tell other people what their plans are so, if they go missing, search and rescue teams know where to look!



          Mountains also receive lots and lots of rainfall. This is because air travelling over land is forced up and over any mountains in its path – it can’t tunnel! This air cools as it rises causing the condensation of any water vapour it was carrying into huge clouds (made up of tiny droplets) ready to burst at any moment.



Picture Credit : Google



 


 


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