Global Temperatures Flashcards
What kind of system is Earth?
Open system
Average energy output for Earth?
240 W/m^2
Insolation in Tropics
- high angle
- constant year round
- little seasonal variation
- energy SURPLUS
Insolation in Polar Regions
- low angle insolation (1/2 the year)
- light surfaces
- energy DEFICIT
Where is there an energy balance, latitude wise?
40 degress
Sensible Heat Flux-> symbol and definition
- H
- transfer of heat between surface and air
- conduction and convection
Heat flux is LOW when…
Temperature surface > temperature of air
Heat flux is ZERO when…
surface temp = air temp
Heat Flux is HIGH when
Temperature surface < temperature of air
Ground Heat Flux -> symbol definition
- energy which flows out/into the ground
- through conduction
Ground Flux is LOW when…
Temperature surface > temperature deep soil
Ground Flux is ZERO when…
temperature surface = temperature deep soil
Ground Flux is HIGH when
temperature surface < temperature deep soil
Urban Heat Islands
- regular 1-6 degrees Celsius > surrounding
- similar desert surface energy characteristics
- max and min temps > surroundings
Temperature Controls: Latitude
- insolation
- different latitudes, different insolation angle
- polar (deficit of energy, cooler), tropics (surplus, hotter)
Temperature Controls: Cloud Cover
- high albedo
- moderate temperatures
- cooler days, warmer nights
Temperature Controls: Altitude/Elevation
- temperature decreases with increasing altitude
- density decreases with increasing altitude
- less dense air cannot absorb or radiate sensible heat easily
- daily temperature range INCREASES with altitude
Land-Water Heating Differences
- evaporation and transparency
- water has higher heat capacity than soil
- fluid motion and mixing reduces water temperature differences
Specific heat
-amount of energy required to raise a unit of mass by 1 degrees celcius
heat capacity
mass * specific heat
Maritime effect
locations exhibit moderating influences of the ocean
-stable relatively consistent weather
Continental effect
-areas less affected by the sea have greater temperature range
Wind Chill
- cold & wind speed
- stronger wind, lower wind chill (more cold)
Humidex
- heat and humidity
- higher humidity, higher heat
