Insolation And Temperature : Distribution Of Temperature (Vertical, Horizontal, Annual, Seasonal And Diurnal)

INTRODUCTION

Temperature is one of the most important factors that determine weather patterns and climate across the Earth's surface. The distribution of temperature varies with location, altitude, and time of day and season. Understanding the distribution of temperature is essential for predicting weather patterns, climate change, and its impacts on the Earth's ecosystems.

VERTICAL DISTRIBUTION OF TEMPERATURE

The vertical distribution of temperature is characterised by a decrease in temperature with increasing altitude in the troposphere and an increase in temperature in the stratosphere. This is due to the absorption of ultraviolet radiation by the ozone layer in the stratosphere, which heats up the air. As altitude increases, the density of the air decreases, leading to a decrease in temperature in the troposphere.

HORIZONTAL DISTRIBUTION OF TEMPERATURE

The horizontal distribution of temperature is characterised by a latitudinal gradient with colder temperatures at the poles and warmer temperatures at the equator. This is due to the angle at which the sun's rays hit the Earth's surface, which is more direct at the equator and more oblique at the poles. The distribution of land and ocean also affects the horizontal distribution of temperature, with land masses experiencing more significant temperature variations than oceans.

ANNUAL DISTRIBUTION OF TEMPERATURE

The annual distribution of temperature is characterised by seasonal variations with warmer temperatures in the summer and cooler temperatures in the winter in the mid-latitudes. This is due to the tilt of the Earth's axis and its rotation around the sun, which causes seasonal variations in the amount of solar radiation received by different regions. In tropical regions, the annual distribution of temperature is characterised by wet and dry seasons rather than distinct summer and winter seasons.

SEASONAL DISTRIBUTION OF TEMPERATURE

Seasonal distribution of temperature refers to the pattern of temperature variation throughout the year, with warmer temperatures in the summer and cooler temperatures in the winter in mid-latitudes. This variation is due to the Earth's tilt and rotation around the sun, which causes seasonal variations in the amount of solar radiation received by different regions.

DIURNAL DISTRIBUTION OF TEMPERATURE

The diurnal distribution of temperature is characterised by daily variations with warmer temperatures during the day and cooler temperatures at night. This is due to the cyclical nature of solar radiation, which heats up the Earth's surface during the day and cools it down at night.

CONCLUSION

The distribution of temperature across the Earth's surface is characterised by vertical, horizontal, annual, seasonal, and diurnal variations. The distribution of temperature plays a crucial role in regulating weather patterns and the Earth's climate system. Understanding the distribution of temperature is essential for predicting weather patterns, climate change, and its impacts on the Earth's ecosystems.