Chapter 5
Air Temperature
(Credit NOAA)
South Pole Station, Antarctica, one of the
coldest places on Earth
The temperature of our atmosphere is controlled by a complex set of interactions
between the biosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. Energy is constantly
exchanged between the surface and the air above, as well as circulating
around the globe. Here we'll look at what controls the air
temperature at a particular place by examining radiation and energy exchanges between the
earth and air above. Then we'll examine how the global circulation of air and water affects air
temperature.
Learning Outcomes
By
the end of the chapter you should be
able to:
- Define temperature and describe how air temperature is measured.
- Explain what controls daily and seasonal temperature variations.
- Determine the temperature gradient using isotherms.
- Calculate average daily and annual temperature, daily and annual temperature range, determine seasonal temperature lag.
- Explain the global pattern of air temperature.
- Summarize the effects of global warming on temperature patterns.
See if you are ready for this chapter by Getting Ready for Chapter 5: Air Temperature.
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