Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Plate 1
The principal elements of alpine landsystems, Arolla,
Switzerland, Dwindling glaciers, active and fossil talus slopes and
frost-weathered pinnacles support a sensitive ecosystem above the
forest belt. Traditional farms are uneasy neighbours of tourist
hotels and every landscape component has an uncertain future in a
changing world.
Photo: Ken Addison.
MOUNTAIN METEOROLOGY
It is possible to chart general trends in principal meteorological parameters with altitude
(Table 25.1), provided that we appreciate considerable variations with latitude,
seasonality, continentality, aspect, topography and surface conditions.
RADIATION AND HEAT BALANCE
Cooling with altitude at an environmental lapse rate of 6·5° C km
−1
would reduce sea-
level temperatures by 30-35° C at 5 km aloft. However, surface temperatures in the
