weigand earth systems - Temperature Notes #2 Fall 2023

Summary

This educational script explores the factors affecting temperature variations, emphasizing the impact of dry air, coastal influences, and latitude. It explains how dry air heats up and cools down quickly, the moderating effect of large bodies of water like the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans on nearby climates, and the decrease in temperature as one moves northward from the equator due to the sun's energy dispersion. The script also delves into the reasons behind seasonal changes, illustrating how the Earth's tilt creates varying amounts of sunlight and consequently different temperatures throughout the year.

Takeaways

• 🌞 The Earth's tilt and its position relative to the Sun are the primary reasons for the change in seasons and temperature variations.
• 📅 The solstices (summer and winter) are when the Earth's tilt towards or away from the Sun is at its maximum, leading to the longest and shortest days of the year.
• 🌡️ The angle of the Sun's rays affects the intensity of sunlight received, which in turn influences temperature. More direct sunlight results in higher temperatures.
• 🌎 The curvature of the Earth causes solar energy to be spread out at higher latitudes, leading to lower temperatures as you move away from the equator.
• 🌤️ The presence of water in the atmosphere affects temperature changes; humid air doesn't change temperature as quickly as dry air.
• 🌿 The proximity to large bodies of water, like the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, moderates temperature changes, but the effect differs due to prevailing wind patterns.
• 🏞️ Coastal areas tend to have less temperature variation than inland areas because of the moderating effect of the ocean.
• 🌬️ Wind direction, influenced by the Earth's rotation, affects how temperatures change across the U.S., with the East Coast experiencing more variation than the West Coast.
• 📈 The temperature difference between the North and South of the United States is significant, with the North generally being colder due to the spread of solar energy over a larger area.
• 🌡️ Humidity levels play a crucial role in how quickly temperatures change. Dry air heats up and cools down more rapidly than humid air.

Q & A

What is the significance of the date April 29th in the context of the script?

April 29th signifies a time well past the equinox, indicating the start of the period when temperatures begin to rise due to increased direct sunlight.

Why is the humidity on the day described as 'insanely low' for Georgia?

The humidity is described as 'insanely low' because it is only 24%, which is unusually low for Georgia, indicating very dry air that heats up quickly.

How does the absence of clouds affect the temperature in the script's description?

The absence of clouds means there is no water in the sky to absorb and disperse heat, leading to direct sunlight and rapid heating of the air.

What causes the significant temperature drop when moving from sunlight to shade as described in the script?

The significant temperature drop is due to the exceptionally dry air, which heats up quickly in sunlight but cools down rapidly in the shade.

How does the script explain the difference in temperature changes between the Pacific and Atlantic coasts?

The script explains that the Pacific coast generally experiences more stable temperatures because the air coming from the Pacific Ocean has a consistent temperature. In contrast, the Atlantic coast experiences more temperature variation because the air crossing the U.S. can be significantly hotter in summer or colder in winter.

Why do coastal locations on the Atlantic coast experience less temperature change compared to inland locations?

Coastal locations on the Atlantic coast experience less temperature change because the water moderates temperature changes. Inland locations, however, are more subject to temperature extremes due to the land's ability to heat up and cool down more drastically.

What is the concept of 'insolation' as it relates to temperature in the script?

Insolation refers to the spreading out of the sun's energy due to the curvature of the Earth, causing sunlight to be less concentrated and resulting in lower temperatures as one moves away from the equator.

How does the Earth's tilt affect the amount of sunlight and temperature?

The Earth's tilt causes different amounts of sunlight and thus varying temperatures in different seasons. When the Earth is tilted towards the Sun, it experiences summer with longer days and higher temperatures. When tilted away, it experiences winter with shorter days and lower temperatures.

What would happen to the Earth's temperatures if the Earth was not tilted as described in the script?

If the Earth was not tilted, it would receive consistent sunlight throughout the year, leading to stable temperatures without seasons.

What are the specific dates associated with the start of summer and winter according to the script?

The summer solstice, which marks the start of summer, usually occurs around June 20th or 21st. The winter solstice, marking the start of winter, is about December 21st.