Earth’s Temperature Patterns Flashcards
What is an isotherm?
The lines on temperature maps are known as isotherms. An isotherm is an isoline—a line along which there is a constant value—that connects points of equal temperature to portray the temperature pattern, just as a contour line on a topographic map illustrates points of equal elevation. Isotherms are useful for the spatial analysis of temperatures.
What is the thermal equator?
The thermal equator is an isotherm connecting all points of highest mean temperature, roughly 27°C; it trends southward into the interior of South America and Africa, indicating higher temperatures over the interiors of landmasses.
What is a temperature anomaly?
A temperature anomaly is a difference, or irregularity, found by comparing recorded average annual temperatures against the long-term average annual temperature for a time period selected as the baseline, or base period
The marine effect
the maritime (marine) effect -
locations exhibit the moderating
influences of the ocean (e.g.
coastlines, islands).
The continental effect
the continental effect - areas less affected by the sea and therefore having a greater range between maximum and minimum temperatures on both a daily and yearly basis.
