Temperature Distribution on Earth
The ultimate source of heat and energy is the Sun. The divergent heat received from the sun on the different regions on Earth is the utmost reason behind the different climate features. So understanding the pattern of temperature distribution on Earth in different seasons is important for understanding different climatic features such as precipitation, wind system, pressure system, etc.
In this article, we will discuss the horizontal and vertical distribution of temperatures along with the factors affecting and factors controlling the temperature distribution on Earth.
Horizontal Distribution of Temperature
The distribution of temperature across latitude over the Earth's surface is known as the horizontal distribution of temperatures. The horizontal distribution of temperature on Earth is shown by Isotherms. Isotherms are the line joining points that have an equal temperature. When the isotherm map is analyzed, it can be observed that the horizontal distribution of temperature is uneven.
Following are the Factors Accountable for the Uneven Horizontal Distribution of Temperature is:
Latitude
Altitude
Land And Sea Contrast
Ocean Currents
Passage of Air Masses
Vegetation Cover
Vertical Distribution of Temperature
As we are aware, the temperature in the troposphere decreases with an increase in altitudes but the rate of decrease in the temperature changes according to seasons. The decrease of temperatures is known as the vertical temperature gradient or normal lapse rate which is 1000 times more than the horizontal lapse rate. The decrease of temperature upward in the atmosphere proves the fact that the atmosphere gets heat from the Earth's surface through the process of conduction, radiation, and convection. Hence, as the distance from the Earth’s surface ( the source of direct heat energy to the atmosphere) increases ( i.e as the altitude increases ), the air temperature decreases.
Factors Affecting Temperature Distribution
Some of the factors affecting the temperature distribution are:
Latitude: The temperature of the surface water decreases from the equator towards the poles because the sun rays become more and more inclined and hence the amount of insolation minimizes poleward.
Unequal Distribution of Land And Water: The oceans in the northern hemisphere receive more heat because of their contact with the larger extent of land than the equivalent parts in the southern hemisphere.
Prevailing Winds: The winds blowing from the land towards the ocean drive surface water away from the coasts resulting in an upwelling, in which deep cold water rises into the surface.
Ocean Current: Warm ocean current increases the temperature in cold areas whereas the cold current decreases the temperature in the warm ocean. For example: in a gulf stream, a warmer current increases the temperature of the Eastern coast of North America and the west coast of Europe.
Other factors affecting the temperature distribution are local weather conditions like storms and cyclones.
Factors Controlling Temperature Distribution
The factors controlling the temperature distribution on the Earth’s surface are discussed below:
The latitude of the Place
The altitude of the Place
Distance From The Sea
The presence of warm and cold ocean Currents
Local Aspects
Global Distribution of Temperature
The global distribution of temperature can be effectively understood by considering the temperature distribution for January and July. The distribution of temperature is usually shown on the map using the isotherms. The isotherms are line joining places of equal temperature. Generally, the effects of latitude are well shown on the map as isotherms are generally parallel to the latitudes. The deviation from this trend is more generally observed in January rather than in July, especially in the northern hemisphere. The land surface is much larger in the northern hemisphere than in the southern hemisphere. Hence, the effects of land masses and ocean currents are well observed.
Temperature Distribution - January
In January, there is winter in the Northern hemisphere and summers in the southern hemisphere.
The western margins of continents in January are much higher than the Eastern counterparts as the westerlies can carry high temperatures into the landmasses.
The temperature gradient is much closer to the Eastern margins of continents. The isotherms observe more steady behavior in the southern hemisphere.
Temperature Distribution - July
During July, it is winter in the Southern hemisphere and summers in the Northern hemisphere. The isotherm behavior is the opposite of what it was in January.
The isotherms are generally parallel to the latitudes in July. The equatorial oceans record warmer temperatures more than 27 degrees celsius. More than 30 degrees celsius is noticed over the land in the subtropical continent region of Asia, along the 30 ° N latitude.
Conclusion
Vedantu notes enable students to be sufficiently prepared for the Geography exam and guarantee that students will score good marks.
FAQs on Temperature Distribution
1. What are the Factors Influencing the Distribution of Temperatures?
The factors influencing the distribution of temperature are:
The angle of Incidence or Inclination of Sun’s rays
Duration of Sunshine
Atmospheric Transparency
Land Sea Differential
Aspects of Slope
Prevailing Winds
Ocean Current
Altitude
Earth distance From The Sun
2. What are the Effects of Latent Heat Flux on the Horizontal Distribution of Temperature?
The global movement of latent heat energy through the circulation of air and water is known as the latent heat flux. The latent heat energy is moved by atmospheric circulation vertically and horizontally to cooler places where it is condensed as rain or is deposited as snow releasing the heat energy stored within it. Large quantities of radiation energy are transformed into Earth’s tropical ocean. Radiant energy enters these water bodies at the surface when absorbed radiation is transformed into heat energy. The warmed water surface is further transferred downwards into the water column through the process of conduction and convection. The horizontal transformation of this heat energy from the equator to the poles is accomplished through the ocean currents.
3. What Is Exactly the Vertical Distribution of Temperature?
The vertical distribution of temperature refers to the distribution of temperature in the different layers of the atmosphere at the different latitudes from the Earth's surface. The temperature generally decreases due to the elevation from the surface. The decrease in temperature is different in all places and it is not similar everywhere.
4. How to download a summary of the topic Temperature Distribution from the Vedantu Website?
The Vedantu website provides a download of the summary for the topic temperature distribution, which is accurate and well-structured. Vedantu's official website provides the summary in PDF version which is available for download for free of cost. Students are advised to download the summary for the topic temperature distribution from the Vedantu website to get an overall and in-depth understanding of the topic. The summary provided by Vedantu is concise and apt for school-going students. It uses simple language, perfect for students with limited vocabulary.
5. Is geography a hard subject?
Geography is not a difficult subject. The subject may look intimidating, but nothing is impossible once you make up your mind. Geography as a subject will enable the students to have an overall and in-depth understanding of the physical features of our environment. It is considered as one of the most interesting subjects, as students get to learn many interesting geographical aspects related to our Earth. To make a start, students should get a basic understanding using NCERT books, then move to advanced books as the NCERT books make for interesting reading and the concepts are explained lucidly.
6. What is the importance of studying geography?
Studying Geography enables students to get an understanding of Geology, Atmospheric Science, Agriculture, Ecology, and other areas. In addition to studying the physical terrain, also analyzes culture. Anthropology and Sociology are both influenced by geography. Geography also studies trade and commerce, and movements of people, allowing students to learn about the dynamics of geographical product mobility. Geography as a subject introduces students to spatial thinking; some people will never understand how a compass only ever points to magnetic north, not the North Pole; it also introduces students to landforms, tectonic plates for countries to sit on, country names, capital cities, river systems, mountain ranges, and so on; there is a lot to learn and know.
7. How to prepare for a Geography exam?
Here are a few important points:
Revise the important topics as many times as possible.
Make flow charts and diagrams for quick revision.
Read from NCERT textbook as the main subject materials, before moving on to other standard books.
Practice mapping, as it will enable students to get a proper understanding.
Prepare a schedule for difficult topics.
Make notes on important topics, mark the important points and revise them.
Try to write the definitions in your language without altering the meaning so that it will be easy for students to understand while revising.
Avoid writing long answers, use many diagrams.
Attempt multiple practice exams and test series.
Solve sample papers of geography as often as you can
Practice and inculcate time management.
Revise the topics daily
Take proper rest before the examination
8. Why is it important to use the Vedantu solution for Geography?
The explanations provided by Vedantu are both accurate and well-structured. Besides, they are available on the Vedantu Website for free of cost. Created by experienced teachers and experts, which will help students to have an in-depth understanding of the core concepts and to score high marks. To successfully clear the exam, students are encouraged to solve multiple worksheets and sample papers, only when the student has had enough practice can he/she be fully prepared to write the actual exam.
