measuring temperature

how we know what we know ppt

1. How do we measure air temperature?

2. Why measure temperature? In order to get a full picture of climate, scientists and other observers, measure and record many types of climate variables. Temperature is one descriptor of climate. The temperature of the air is directly proportional to the average kinetic energy of the molecules in the air sample. It is the most important and common climate variable that is measured. In order to answer questions about climate, we can look at temperature patterns over both time and space.

3. How do we measure air temperature? From the ground Thermometers, shielded from direct solar energy in small weather stations such as the one pictured right, are used to directly measure temperature. There are many types of thermometers and temperature sensors. The most common type of thermometer is liquid-in-glass, which has been in use since the mid 1880s. Modern automatic electronic temperature sensors are shielded from direct sunlight. The shields are vented to allow for free air flow over the sensor. Shielded automatic temperature sensor Typical weather monitoring station, including glass max-min thermometers.

4. From the air Radiosondes, small instruments lifted aloft by weather balloons, measure the temperature of the air at various heights in the atmosphere. The information from these instruments is radioed back to scientists on the ground, where it recorded by computers. Radiosonde data provide a vertical profile of the atmosphere one location. Think of it like coring the atmosphere. How do we measure air temperature? Radiosonde instrument package Betsy Youngman flying a tethered weather balloon with attached radiosonde.

5. From space Satellites do not directly measure temperature. They measure incoming and outgoing radiation or brightness. Using these quantities scientists are able to calculate Earth’s temperature at various heights in the atmosphere. The advantage of satellites is they can cover large distances and see the whole globe. However, because they are so far away and measure such large areas, they have a lower resolution over small areas, such as your own back yard. How do we measure air temperature? NOAA satellite Brightness temperature from satellite data

6. Want to learn more about how air temperature is measured? Here are several resources to investigate: Remote Sensing Systems http://www.remss.com/measurements/upper-air-temperature Australian Government Department of Meteorology http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/cdo/about/airtemp-measure.shtml Weather Instruments and Equipment Explained http://www.nwclimate.org /guides/meteorological-instrumentation/ USCRN U.S. Climate Reference Network https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/crn/ How do we measure air temperature?