Air Temperature

Looking Ahead...

The temperature at any place is a function radiant energy (e.g., solar and terrestrial longwave radiation) and heat (e.g., sensible heat). The amount of energy and heat may be controlled by local factors such as cloudiness, proximity to large bodies of water, and  the presence of different air masses. The change in temperature from one location to another, the temperature gradient, is a function of the variation in the energy/heat content of the air from one location to the next. In other words, an energy gradient creates a temperature gradient.

Temperature affects many of the other elements weather and climate, like air pressure and humidity. Warm air has a tendency to rise and thus can promote lower pressure at the surface. Cold and dense air has a tendency to sink and promote higher pressure at the surface. Warm air is more likely to evaporate more water than cold air. Humid air rising from the surface may ultimately condense to form clouds which promote precipitation formation. 

As we venture further, the role of temperature in determining the patterns in the earth system will become increasingly apparent and important. Plants and animals have particular temperature and moisture requirements for them to live, and thus the biogeography of Earth is closely correlated with patterns of temperature. Chemical reactions are controlled by temperature (and moisture), and thus the weathering and shaping of earth materials is affected. Temperature is important because if our climate continues to warm, the changing pattern of global temperatures will directly impact the future physical geography of Earth.

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