Download Controls of Temperature

Local Solar Changes
•The apparent path of the sun across the sky as observed at
different latitudes during the solstices and equinoxes.
Controls of Temperature
What determines average temperatures
at different location of the globe?
How does temperature vary seasonally
at different locations?
Latitude
Sun's rays are more vertical
at low latitudes
Greater variability in solar radiation
at middle and high latitudes
Land vs Water
Temperature changes are more
gradual over water
•High heat capacity of water
•Sunlight penetrates into water
•Water convection mixes heat into
a thicker layer
Smaller annual and diurnal range of
temperature near oceans.
Longer Temperature lag near oceans
Elevation
Temperature generally decreases
with height
• Lower temperatures higher up
in the troposphere
• Air cools as it rises
Ocean Currents
Heat is transported poleward
by warm currents
Cold currents cool coastal regions,
especially in summer
Upwelling of water cools the surface
Continental vs Maritime Example
Average Global Temp.
Jan. vs July Global
Temperature
Heat Index
Wind Chill
Hurricane Season
Hurricane Basins