What is Temperature Distribution? 🌡️
- Temperature distribution refers to how heat is spread across the Earth’s surface due to solar radiation, latitude, altitude, ocean currents, and atmospheric conditions.
- It affects climate, weather patterns, and human activities.
Factors Affecting Temperature Distribution
1. Latitude (Distance from the Equator) 📍
- Equatorial regions receive more direct sunlight, making them hotter.
- Polar regions receive less sunlight, making them colder.
✅ High Temperature → Near the Equator (0° latitude).
❄ Low Temperature → Near the Poles (90° latitude).
2. Altitude (Height Above Sea Level) 🏔️
- Higher altitudes (mountains, plateaus) have lower temperatures.
- Temperature decreases with height at an average rate of 6.5°C per 1000 meters (Lapse Rate).
✅ Plains are warmer → Lower altitude.
❄ Mountains are colder → Higher altitude.
3. Distance from the Sea (Continentality) 🌊
- Coastal areas have moderate temperatures due to the sea’s influence.
- Inland areas (continental regions) experience extreme temperatures (hot summers, cold winters).
✅ Mumbai (Coastal) – Moderate Climate.
❄ Delhi (Inland) – Extreme Climate.
4. Ocean Currents 🌊
- Warm ocean currents (e.g., Gulf Stream) raise temperatures in coastal regions.
- Cold ocean currents (e.g., Peru Current) lower temperatures.
✅ Western Europe (warmer due to Gulf Stream).
❄ West Coast of South America (cooler due to Peru Current).
5. Winds & Pressure Systems 💨
- Winds transfer heat across regions, affecting temperature.
- Warm winds (Chinook, Foehn) increase temperatures.
- Cold winds (Polar winds) decrease temperatures.
✅ Westerlies bring warmth to Europe.
❄ Polar winds make Siberia cold.
6. Cloud Cover & Albedo Effect ☁️
- Clouds trap heat at night → Warmer nights.
- Clouds reflect sunlight during the day → Cooler days.
- Snow & Ice have high albedo (reflect sunlight), keeping regions cold.
✅ Deserts (low clouds, high heat during day, cold at night).
❄ Arctic & Antarctic (high albedo, lower temperatures).
Types of Temperature Distribution
1. Horizontal Distribution (Across the Earth’s Surface) 🌎
- Measured through Isotherms (lines joining places with the same temperature).
- Equatorial regions are hottest, polar regions are coldest.
- Isotherms bend due to land-sea contrast and ocean currents.
2. Vertical Distribution (Temperature & Altitude) ⛰️
- Temperature decreases with altitude (Lapse Rate: 6.5°C per 1000m).
- Troposphere (lower atmosphere) shows this decrease.
✅ Example: Snow-covered peaks like Everest & Alps.
World Temperature Zones
| Zone | Latitude Range | Climate | Example Regions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Torrid Zone (Tropical Zone) | 0° – 23.5° N/S | Hottest region | Amazon, Sahara, India |
| Temperate Zone | 23.5° – 66.5° N/S | Moderate climate | USA, Europe, China |
| Frigid Zone (Polar Zone) | 66.5° – 90° N/S | Coldest region | Antarctica, Arctic |
Global Temperature Patterns
✅ January (Winter in Northern Hemisphere)
- Coldest areas: Siberia, Canada, Greenland.
- Warmest areas: Australia, South America (Summer in Southern Hemisphere).
✅ July (Summer in Northern Hemisphere)
- Coldest areas: Antarctica, Southern Ocean.
- Warmest areas: Sahara Desert, Middle East, India.
Urban Heat Island Effect 🌆🔥
- Cities are warmer than rural areas due to concrete buildings, less greenery, vehicle emissions.
- Leads to higher temperatures, pollution, and health risks.
- Solutions: More green spaces, reflective roofs, less pollution.
MCQs on Temperature Distribution
1. Which factor affects temperature the most?
a) Altitude
b) Latitude
c) Ocean currents
d) Wind speed
Answer: b) Latitude
2. How does temperature change with altitude?
a) Increases
b) Decreases
c) Remains constant
d) Fluctuates randomly
Answer: b) Decreases
3. Which ocean current makes Europe warmer?
a) Peru Current
b) Gulf Stream
c) Labrador Current
d) Benguela Current
Answer: b) Gulf Stream
4. Which area experiences extreme climate due to its distance from the sea?
a) Mumbai
b) Chennai
c) Delhi
d) Tokyo
Answer: c) Delhi
5. What is the rate of temperature decrease with altitude?
a) 3°C per 1000m
b) 6.5°C per 1000m
c) 10°C per 1000m
d) 1°C per 100m
Answer: b) 6.5°C per 1000m
Short Answer Questions
1. What is temperature distribution?
Temperature distribution refers to how heat is spread across the Earth’s surface, varying with latitude, altitude, ocean currents, winds, and land-sea differences.
2. Name two factors that affect temperature distribution.
- Latitude (Equator is warmer, Poles are colder).
- Altitude (Higher places are colder).
3. Why are coastal areas warmer in winter and cooler in summer?
The sea heats up and cools down slowly, moderating coastal temperatures.
4. What is the urban heat island effect?
Cities are warmer than rural areas due to concrete buildings, less vegetation, and vehicle pollution.
5. How do ocean currents affect temperature?
- Warm currents (Gulf Stream) increase temperatures.
- Cold currents (Peru Current) lower temperatures.
Conclusion
The distribution of temperature is influenced by latitude, altitude, ocean currents, and atmospheric conditions. Understanding temperature patterns helps in weather prediction, agriculture, and climate studies.
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