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.
• Define isotherm and determine temperature gradients from isotherm maps.
• Calculate average daily and annual temperature, daily and annual temperature range, determine seasonal temperature lag.
• Explain the global pattern of air temperature.

See if you are ready for this chapter by Getting Ready for Chapter 5: Air Temperature.

 You may view a list of chapter topics by clicking the "Topic Outline" link or go directly to the first topic by clicking "Continue".

Previous | Topic Outline | Continue