Climate & Weather
How Elevation Affects Weather: A Complete Guide
Discover the fascinating relationship between elevation and weather patterns.
Elevation of Dallas, Texas
131 meters elevation
Sea Level (0m)Mount Everest (8,848m)
-0.9°C
Temperature Drop
99.8kPa
Air Pressure
98.5%
Oxygen Level
Quick Facts
Elevation131 meters
Everest Comparison1.5% of Everest
Altitude Risk✅ Low RiskBelow altitude sickness threshold
RegionTexas
Highest PointFlagpole Hill (256 meters)
Notable Landmarks
Reunion Tower
171 meterselevation
White Rock Lake
138 meterselevation
Cedar Ridge Preserve
248 meterselevation
Flag Pole Hill
256 meterselevation
Trinity River Audubon Center
134 meterselevation
Geographic Features
Dallas straddles several distinct geological regions: the Blackland Prairie to the east, the Eastern Cross Timbers to the west, and the White Rock Escarpment running north-south through the city. The White Rock Escarpment, a limestone uplift created during the Cretaceous Period, rises about 30 meters above the surrounding terrain, forming a natural east-west divide. The Trinity River and its tributaries have carved broad floodplains through the region's Austin Chalk and Eagle Ford Shale formations, creating a network of valleys and terraces. The underlying geology includes complex layers of alluvial deposits from the Trinity River system and the ancestral Rocky Mountains, creating a diverse subsurface environment that influences groundwater movement and surface stability.
Climate Impact
The city's modest elevation changes create subtle but important climate variations. The White Rock Escarpment influences local wind patterns and can affect the movement of severe weather systems, particularly during spring thunderstorm season when it can enhance storm development. Areas along the Trinity River floodplain (around 130m) experience more frequent flooding and fog formation, especially during early morning hours when temperature inversions trap moisture in the valley. Higher areas along the escarpment (180-250m) tend to be 2-3°C cooler and experience stronger winds, providing natural ventilation that helps disperse urban heat and pollution. The elevation differences also influence rainfall distribution, with slightly higher precipitation amounts (up to 100mm more annually) recorded along the escarpment due to orographic lift.
Historical Context
Dallas's relationship with elevation dates back to its founding in 1841, when John Neely Bryan chose a site along the Trinity River that provided both water access and flood protection at the natural ford known as 'Bryan's Bluff.' The construction of the Houston & Texas Central Railroad in the 1872 followed the natural ridgelines to minimize grade changes, establishing a pattern that would influence the city's development for decades. The discovery of artesian wells in the late 1880s was directly related to the Austin Chalk formation's elevation and geology, providing crucial water resources for the growing city. The creation of White Rock Lake in 1911 took advantage of natural elevation changes for water storage, becoming the city's primary water source until 1927. The development of the Trinity River Project, begun in the 2000s, represents a modern attempt to reconcile urban development with the natural flood plain elevations, incorporating flood control measures while preserving ecological functions.
Cities with Similar Elevation
FAQs: Dallas's Elevation
What is the elevation of Dallas?
Dallas has an elevation of 131 meters, which influences its climate and environment.
How does Dallas's elevation affect its weather?
The elevation of Dallas (131 meters) significantly impacts its local climate, affecting temperature ranges, precipitation patterns, and atmospheric pressure.
What are the highest points near Dallas?
The highest point in Dallas is Flagpole Hill (256 meters), providing unique perspectives of the surrounding landscape.
