Weather and Climate: Ch. 3 Flashcards
Equation for Mean Daily Temp
(maximum day temp + minimum day temp) /2
Equation for Daily Temp Range
max day temp - min day temp
Equation for Monthly Mean Temp
Add mean daily temps for month / # of days in month
Equation for Annual Mean Temp
Average of 12 monthly means
Equation for Annual Temp Range
Warmest average monthly temp - coldest average temp
What is the primary control of daily air temp?
Earth’s rotation
What time are sun rays most intense?
around noon
During the afternoon, incoming solar radiation _______ outgoing radiation
exceeds
What does incoming solar radiation exceeding outgoing radiation cause
energy surplus
When is the max temp for dry regions on cloud-free days?
late afternoon (3 - 5pm)
When is the max temp for humid regions?
around 2pm
IR energy is emitted by surface
Rediational cooling
Early morning (before sunrise), day’s _________ temp is reached
minimum
Annual temperature cycle more pronounced ________ from equator
farther
Highest and lowest temps do not coincide ________
solstices
Annual temperature cycle lags behind solstices by average of ___ days in U.S.
27
Annual temperature cycle lags behind solstices by average of ___ days near larger bodies of water
36
Annual Temperature Cycle: Warmest =
end of July
Annual Temperature Cycle: Coldest =
end of January
Factor that causes temp to vary
Temperature control
What are the 6 reasons temperatures vary?
- Latitude
- Elevation
- Land and Water
- Ocean Currents
- Prevailing Winds
- Cloud Cover
Characteristics of Latitude
- Primary control of temp
- temp decreases on average as you gain latitude away from equator
- typically, greater variation in temp from south to north in winter
Temps _______ as you ______ elevation
decrease; increase
Water heats and cools ______ and to a _______ degree than land
slower; lesser
