What is the effect of elevation on temperature and precipitation?

Elevation significantly influences temperature and precipitation patterns. Generally, as elevation increases, temperature decreases due to the thinning atmosphere, leading to cooler conditions at higher altitudes. Additionally, higher elevations often experience increased precipitation, particularly in mountainous regions, where moist air rises, cools, and condenses, resulting in orographic rainfall. This phenomenon contributes to diverse ecosystems and climatic variations in mountainous areas compared to surrounding lowlands.