¿Why are most of the mountains in the world covered with snow on their peaks?

Question

If at such heights the peak of a mountain is closer to the sun and in consequence the temperature of the environment should be higher ¿why is it that mountains are all covered with snow on their peaks?

Answer 1

temperature is lower

P1*V1 / T1 = P2*V2 / T2  

{note "absolute" temperature where 0C = 273K}

altitude // pressure table from wiki:

Altitude ft // Static Pressure kPa

0  // 101.325

1000 //  97.715

2500 // 92.500

5000 // 84.306

10000 // 69.681

20000 // 46.563

30000 // 30.089

36090 // 22.631

take "room temperature" = 25C = 298K at sea level

go up 2 miles (10000 feet)

P1 = 101.325

V1 = V2 since we're not concerned about the volume

T1 = 298

P2 = 69.681

V2 = V1

find T2

T2 = P2V2T1 / P1V1

T2 = P2T1 / P1   ((since the V1=V2 cancel ot))

T2 = 69.681 * 298 / 101.325

T2 = 204.93K

204.93K = (204.93 - 273) C = - 68C

F = 9C/5  + 32 = 1.8* (-68) + 32 = - 122.5 + 32 = -90.5 F

room temperature at sea level is

equivalent to - 90.5F (or -68C)

at 2 miles high

that's cold.

that's snow-time

that's the "combinedl gas Law"  PV/T = PV/T

that's the truth

/****************************/

ps it's NOT closer to the SUn ....  

highest point on earth is 7 miles

distance to Sun is 93,000,000 miles

92,999,993 miles ??? no real difference

Answer 2

Good question.

I think it's because the higher the atmosphere, air pressure decreases and rising air expands - expansion of air causes cooling.

Answer 3

Because is snows there.

Answer 4

higher altitudes mean colder air, cold air = frozen water aka snow

Answer 5

why do you ask people these questions when you can google it and get a good answer?

Answer 6

Simply put, the atmosphere is thinner and colder the higher up you go, so due to the temperature, the sun really doesn't get a chance to melt it. Its similar to a bright sunny (but freezing) winter day. The snow may be on the ground, but its not warm enough to melt.