Meteorology Module 2 - Lecture 1

Daily Mean Temperature

The average of all temperature values within a 24-hour period (midnight to midnight).

Daily Maximum Temperature

The highest temperature recorded in a 24-hour period.

Daily Minimum Temperature

The lowest temperature recorded in a 24-hour period.

Daily Temperature Range

The difference between the maximum and minimum temperatures in a 24-hour period.

Monthly Mean Temperature

The average of daily mean temperatures for each day of the month.

Yearly Mean Temperature

The average of the 12 monthly mean temperatures.

Yearly Temperature Range

The difference between the warmest and coldest monthly mean temperatures.

Isotherm

A line on a map connecting points with the same temperature.

Temperature Gradient

The amount of temperature change per unit of distance.

Daily Temperature Cycle

The rhythmic rise and fall of air temperature occurring every day.

Meteogram

A graph showing how meteorological variables change over time.

Seasonal Lag

The delay in peak temperatures compared to maximum solar radiation, averaging 27 days in the U.S.

Temperature Control

Any factor that causes air temperatures to vary.

Latitude

The primary control of temperature, affecting annual variations in Sun angle and daylight length.

Elevation

The secondary control of temperature, where temperature decreases with height due to lower atmospheric pressure.

Land and Water

Different heating properties of surfaces that cause variations in air temperature above them.

Heat Capacity

The ability of a substance (like water) to absorb and retain heat, affecting temperature variations.

Southern Hemisphere

Experiences less temperature variation than the Northern Hemisphere due to more water coverage.