What does an increase in altitude generally result in?

An increase in altitude generally results in decreased pressure. This occurs due to the way the atmosphere is structured; as you ascend through the layers, the amount of air above you decreases, leading to a lower atmospheric pressure. The atmosphere is denser closer to the Earth's surface, and as altitude increases, the density of air molecules diminishes, resulting in lower pressure.

In practical terms, this is why high-altitude locations, such as mountains, often experience this phenomenon. It affects not just weather patterns but also influences aviation and meteorological observations. The understanding of pressure changes with altitude is fundamental in meteorology, as it impacts weather forecasting and the behavior of different air masses.