If heat rises why is it cold on mountains

Pressley said that pressure and our sun also have a lot to do with weather. When sunlight travels through the atmosphere, it heats the surface of the planet.

When the surface gets warmer, it sends heat back up to air molecules near the surface and warms them up. The molecules of air rise.

As they do, they expand and cool. Somewhere else, air over a mountain that is even colder actually starts to sink. This sinking air gets compressed, squished together, and heats up. This mixing of air is called convection and is at the heart of our weather. This question originally appeared on Quora.

Ask a question, get a great answer. Learn from experts and access insider knowledge. More questions:. This is a BETA experience. You may opt-out by clicking here. More From Forbes. May 6, , am EDT. Feb 9, , am EST. Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. Why is air colder the higher up you go?

Well, it helps if you imagine the ground here on Earth as a big heater. It keeps us warm, and if you move away from the heater you feel cold. The light and warmth from the Sun. The light and warmth from the Sun travel through space towards Earth, and pass through our atmosphere.