Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
GLOBAL TEMPERATURE
PATTERNS
CHAPTER FIVE
In the previous chapter we examined the various ways that energy flows in the atmosphere. Now it is time to
investigate its primary effects on atmospheric temperature patterns. The word
atmosphere
is derived from the
Greek phrase meaning “sphere of air,” which implies that the air is uniform in its consistency and character.
Actually, the atmosphere consists of several layers, each having different characteristics and interactions with solar
radiation. Each of these layers will be examined in this chapter, including how the temperature varies between and
within them. Most of the discussion will focus on the environmental variables that influence temperature in the
lower part of the atmosphere and how these variables interact to form distinct geographic temperature patterns
on Earth.
