<P> In addition, the relative location to the nearest coastline can influence the altitude of the snow line . Areas near a coast might have a lower snow line than areas of the same altitude and latitude situated in a landmass interior due to more winter snowfall and because the average summer temperature of the surrounding lowlands would be warmer away from the sea . (This applies even in the tropics, since areas far from the sea will have larger diurnal temperature ranges and potentially less moisture, as observed with Kilimanjaro and presently glacier - free Mount Meru). A higher altitude is therefore necessary to lower the temperature further against the surroundings and keep the snow from melting . </P> <P> Furthermore, large - scale oceanic currents such as the North Atlantic Current can have significant affects over large areas (in this case warming northern Europe, extending even to some Arctic Ocean regions). </P> <P> In the northern hemisphere the snow line on the north facing slopes is at a lower altitude, as the north facing slopes receive less sun light (solar irradiance) than south facing slopes . </P> <P> The highest mountain in the world below the snow line is Ojos del Salado . </P>

Where would you expect snow or rain to fall on a mountain