Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
2.
On a large scale, a very close relationship occurs
among insolation, net radiation, and air temperature.
Nevertheless, a temporal lag exists on an annual and
daily basis between when the receipt of the highest
amount of radiation occurs and when the warmest
temperature takes place. This lag exists because inso-
lation is first absorbed by the surface of Earth before it
is re-radiated as longwave radiation.
3.
The maritime vs. continental effect explains the tempera-
ture difference between coastal and land-locked locations
that are on or about the same latitude. Cities such as San
Francisco, California, have a relatively narrow annual tem-
perature range due to the thermal characteristics of large
bodies of water like the Pacific Ocean. In contrast, con-
tinental locations such as Topeka, Kansas, have a much
broader annual temperature range because landmasses do
not absorb or release heat as consistently as water bodies.
4.
Measurable differences occur with respect to tem-
perature between urban and rural localities. Cities are
typically warmer than the countryside due to the urban
heat island effect: Paved surfaces and buildings have
relatively low albedo and thus absorb more solar ra-
diation. In addition, the moderating effect of water is
reduced in cities because urban surfaces are sealed.
Rural locations, in contrast, are covered with soil that
absorbs water, which cools the landscape relative to an
urban environment. Wind patterns also vary markedly
between the two regions and are another cause for the
relative difference in temperature.
5.
Distinct seasonal temperature patterns occur on Earth.
This geography is dependent on the interaction of sev-
eral factors, including net radiation, season, latitude,
the maritime vs. continental effect, and altitude.
CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
1.
Describe the four layers of the atmosphere and the
temperature patterns that occur within them.
2.
Why is latitude an important consideration in determining
air temperature?
3.
Where does the greatest range in annual temperature
occur, at high or low latitudes? Why does this pattern
exist?
4.
Which location—Los Angeles, California, or Phoenix,
Arizona—would experience the warmest peak tempera-
ture? Why does this pattern occur?
5.
Central Canada and the southern tip of South America
are both located at high latitudes. Nevertheless central
Canada has a much greater range in temperature than
the southern tip of South America. Why?
6.
Which place would have a greater range in tempera-
ture, central Australia or Hawaii? Why?
7.
Why is the tropopause at a higher altitude at the Equa-
tor than in northern Canada?
8.
List three reasons why cities are typically warmer than
rural landscapes.
9.
Which place would be colder, the top or bottom of a
high mountain? Why?
10.
Why are temperatures in the lower stratosphere warmer
than in the upper part of the troposphere?
ANSWERS TO VISUAL CONCEPT CHECKS
VISUAL CONCEPT CHECK 5.1
1. The answer is
; temperature decreases as you rise through the troposphere. This decrease occurs
because a negative environmental lapse rate exists from the surface of Earth to the tropopause.
2. The correct choice is
b
a
. This altitude occurs in the upper part of the troposphere.
3. The answer is
. At this altitude, the temperature will begin to increase because the airplane is
climbing closer to the ozone layer, which is found in the lower part of the stratosphere.
a
VISUAL CONCEPT CHECK 5.2
The answer is
. Vancouver lies next to a large body of water (the Pacific Ocean) that has a consistent
temperature over the course of the year. As a result, the air temperature at Vancouver remains cool in
the summer and warm in the winter relative to continental locations.
b
VISUAL CONCEPT CHECK 5.3
The answer is
a
. This image represents summer conditions in the Northern Hemisphere, because the high
