What happens to the air temperature in lower elevations during the evening?

In lower elevations during the evening, the air temperature typically becomes warmer than in higher elevations. This phenomenon occurs because denser, cooler air settles in lower areas, while the air at higher elevations tends to be less dense and, therefore, cooler overall. As the sun sets, the warmth from the ground dissipates, but the lower elevation areas hold onto heat more effectively than higher altitudes, which can experience rapid cooling.

This temperature gradient is influenced by various factors, including the geography of the area and the overall climate. In valleys or lower regions, there is often a pooling effect of warmer air, while at higher elevations, the thinner atmosphere leads to cooler temperatures. This is particularly noticeable in mountainous regions, where the difference in temperature can be quite significant from the base to the summit.

The choices that present other scenarios do not align with the typical behavior of air masses in relation to elevation changes during the evening. Therefore, the correct answer reflects how temperature stratification works in conjunction with geographic elevation.