Question

Why does temperature decrease with increasing latitude?

Answer 1

The heating of the Earth's atmosphere is the result of absorption of solar radiation by the air. Near the surface of the Earth, the air is dense and it consists of water vapour and dust particles that absorb the heat. This results in the increase of temperature near the surface; however, in the upper strata of atmosphere, air gets thinner and absorbs less heat. This is the reason why temperature decreases with increase in height.