Distribution of Temperature in Earth’s Atmosphere| Class 11

The Distribution of Temperature in Earth’s Atmosphere is vertical. It means, that when the temperature decreases, the elevation always increases. Our Earth’s atmosphere has five distinct layers that are generally measured by the temperature. The distribution of Temperature in Earth’s Atmosphere is a major factor in determining the climate and different weather patterns. It also helps us to examine the different health and safety features of human societies.

In this article, we are going to discuss the Distribution of Temperature in Earth’s Atmosphere in detail.

The Distribution of Temperature in Earth’s Atmosphere

The distribution of Temperature in Earth’s Atmosphere can be done in two different ways including Horizontal Distribution of Temperature and Vertical Distribution of Temperature. Let us discuss this in detail.

Horizontal Distribution of Temperature

Horizontal Distribution of Temperature is a temperature distribution process that happens across latitudes. By using the isotherms map, we can depict it on the earth’s surface.

Here are some major factors about the Horizontal Distribution of Temperature as mentioned below.

• Horizontal distribution happens when temperature distribution is uneven on an isotherm map.
• Net solar insolation is higher in the lower latitudes in the horizontal distribution.
• On the other hand, in horizontal distribution, the net solar insolation is lower in the higher latitudes.
• Temperature falls from the equator to both poles.
• Around the poles the temperature is low.

Vertical Distribution of Temperature

Vertical Distribution of Temperature is a temparature distribution process where the distribution happens based on the altitudes. It is specifically known as the normal lapse rate.

Here are some major factors about the Vertical Distribution of Temperature as mentioned below.

• In Vertical Distribution of Temperature, the temperature drops when the altitude rises.
• The normal lapse rate can not be the same for every time.
• As per the height, different seasons, and based on the local factors Vertical Distribution of Temperature happens.

Factors Of Distribution of Temperature in Earth’s Atmosphere

There are so many factors those regulates the Distribution of Temperature in Earth’s Atmosphere as mentioned below.

Latitude

• The sun rays incidence decreases from the equator to the poles.
• The temperature increases when the angle value rises and vice versa.
• For the latitudes, the temperature is high towards the tropic region and lower in the polar region.

Altitude

• Altitude plays a major role in the temperature distribution process. When the altitude is high, the temperature will decrease.
• At every 1000 meters altitude, the temperature drops about 6 degrees Celsius.

Land and Sea Contrast

• Land heats up slowly and cools down quickly. On the other side, water is totally reversed about this matter.
• Due to these factors, the day temperature is higher in the land, and the ocean temperature is low.

Ocean Currents

• There are two types of ocean currents including warm and cold.
• Warm current increases the coast temperature whereas cold currents decrease the temperature of the coast.

Air Masses

• Land and sea breezes affect the temperature distribution process.
• Where warm air masses are present, in those places the temperature is too high.
• Where cold air masses are present, in those places the temperature is too low.

Significance Of Distribution of Temperature in Earth’s Atmosphere

Here are the significance of the Distribution of Temperature in Earth’s Atmosphere as mentioned below.

• Distribution of Temperature in Earth’s Atmosphere helps us to understand the various climate elemnts.
• The distribution of Temperature in Earth’s Atmosphere is a major factor in determining the climate and different weather patterns.

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Distribution of Temperature in Earth’s Atmosphere- FAQs

What is the distribution of atmospheric temperature?

Atmospheric temperature is the measure of temperature at diverse levels of the earth surface. There is horizontal and vertical distribution of temperature. The distribution of temperature across the latitudes over the surface of the earth is called horizontal distribution of temperature.

What is the temperature distribution of the earth?

In general, the equatorial region is hot, and its temperature is high throughout the year. Generally, from the equator to polewards, the temperature keeps on declining. The lowest temperature is at and near the poles.

What is the distribution of global temperature?

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.

What is the temperature distribution in India?

The year’s coldest months are December and January, when temperatures average around 10–15 °C (50–59 °F) in the northwest; temperatures rise as one proceeds towards the equator, peaking around 20–25 °C (68–77 °F) in mainland India’s southeast. Summer or pre-monsoon season, lasting from March to May.

What are the three temperature zones of the Earth?

The Frigid Zone, Temperate Zone, and Torrid Zone are the three different heat zones of the Earth. The Torrid Zone is just the hottest of the different zones since it is closest to the equator.

What is the distribution of atmospheric pressure?

The distribution of atmospheric pressure over the globe is known as horizontal distribution of pressure. An isobar is a line connecting points that have equal values of pressure. Isobars are analogous to the contour lines on a relief map.

What are the 4 factors that affect temperature?

The main factors influencing temperature include latitude, altitude, distance from oceans and lakes, and ocean currents. First, Earth’s surface is divided into three temperature zones based on latitude.