Temperature profiles in radiative-convective equilibrium above surfaces atdifferent heights

Soundings of temperature and specific humidity calculated assuming radiativ e-convective equilibrium over surfaces at different heights show only small variations in surface temperature and specific humidity with surface heigh t. Calculated surface temperatures decrease at similar to 2 degrees C km(-1 ), with all other parameters held fixed. Calculated temperatures aloft in t he upper troposphere above surfaces at different heights differ by 10 degre es-20 degrees C; those above surfaces at 3000-5000 m are significantly warm er. These differences support the contention that an elevated terrain can f orce significant atmospheric circulation through its effect on equilibrium temperatures, as occurs in the case of the Tibetan Plateau forcing the sout h Asian monsoon.