METEO 3 Lesson 3 Images

Lesson 3: Global and Local Controllers of Temperature

 

Seasonal Tides of Solar Heating

side-by-side photos of a flashlight shining on a wall

Two flashlights shining beams on different surfaces; one smooth and dark, the other textured..
side-by-side photos of a flashlight shining on a wall at different angles
Text description of the side-by-side photos of a flashlight shining on a wall at different angles image.

The image is divided vertically into two sections, each showing the beam of a flashlight directed onto a surface. On the left, the flashlight beam is cast on a smooth, dark background, creating a circular, bright white light with a soft gradient edge. The flashlight, cylindrical in shape with a textured grip, is partially visible at the bottom center, being held in a hand. On the right, the flashlight beam illuminates a wall, creating a wider pattern that is not as bright as the one on the left. The texture of the surface is visible within the light, showing a granular appearance.

Credit: David Babb @ Penn State is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0 (opens in a new window)

larger version

Bar graph showing top-10 2-day snowfall totals for State College, PA, with dates and snowfall amounts from 30.5 to 18.0 inches.
larger version of the Top-ten 2-day snowfall totals for State College, PA
Text description and data table of the Top-ten 2-day snowfall totals for State College image.

The image is a bar graph titled "Top-10 2-day Snowfall Totals for State College, PA." The vertical axis represents the snowfall in inches, ranging from 0.0 to 35.0 inches, and the horizontal axis lists different dates. There are ten vertical bars displaying snowfall data in descending order. The tallest bar is green, representing 30.5 inches of snowfall on March 30, 1942. Subsequent bars vary in color, with green representing occurrences in meteorological spring, blue representing cases from meteorological winter, and yellow for occurrences in meteorological autumn. Each bar has the snowfall amount written at the top.

Top‑10 2‑day Snowfall Totals — State College, PA
RankDate2‑day Snowfall (in)
1Mar 30, 194230.5
2Mar 01, 199427.7
3Mar 14, 199327.5
4Jan 14, 196427.5
5Mar 03, 199426.6
6Mar 15, 199325.2
7Nov 13, 198922.5
8Jan 04, 191419.5
9Feb 12, 200318.2
10Dec 12, 199218.0
Credit: David Babb @ Penn State is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0 (opens in a new window)

average monthly snowfall for State College, PA

Bar graph showing average monthly snowfall in State College, PA, with peaks in January, February, and March.
average monthly snowfall for State College, PA
Text description and data table of the average monthly snowfall for State College, PA image.

The image is a bar graph illustrating the average monthly snowfall (in inches) for State College, PA. The y-axis represents snowfall in inches, ranging from 0 to 14. The x-axis lists the months from January to December. In the graph, the months of meteorological winter are depicted with blue bars, meteorological spring months are marked by green bars, and meteorological autumn months are marked by yellow bars. May through September have no bars, indicating zero snowfall. 

Average Monthly Snowfall — State College, PA
MonthAverage Snowfall (in)
Jan12.0
Feb10.5
Mar10.0
Apr1.0
May0.0
Jun0.0
Jul0.0
Aug0.0
Sep0.0
Oct0.2
Nov2.0
Dec7.5
Credit: David Babb @ Penn State is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0 (opens in a new window)

NASA movie from 2000-2001 (0:06)

NASA movie from 2000-2001 (0:06)
Text description of the NASA movie from 2000-2001 (0:06)

This is an animated map depicting global ultraviolet radiation over time, with vibrant colors representing different data intensities across the world. The map is elongated horizontally and showcases the Earth's continents and oceans. The colors range from deep blue to bright red, indicating varying data values, with blue representing lower intensity and red representing higher intensity. The animation demonstrates changes over 12 months, as noted by the date displayed in the lower left corner. The transitions of colors appear primarily along the equatorial region, with colors shifting from blue to green, yellow, orange, and red as they spread across the globe.

Credit: NASA

 

Earth as a Temperature Controller: Part I

Bismarck, North Dakota (located at 46.5 degrees North latitude)

Map of North America with a red marker on Bismarck, North Dakota.
Bismarck, North Dakota
(located at 46.5 degrees North latitude)
Text description of the Bismarck, North Dakota image.

The image is a detailed map of North America, highlighting the United States, Canada, and parts of Central America. The map displays country and state boundaries, with major cities marked by small black circles and labeled in black text. A red location marker is placed in North Dakota, indicating the location of Bismarck. Bodies of water, such as the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, are labeled in light blue, contrasting with the green and beige land areas. Notable cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Dallas, and Mexico City are labeled. The map also includes parts of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean islands to the southeast.

Credit: Google Maps

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (located at 35.2 degrees North latitude)

Map showing the United States with a red marker on Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
(located at 35.2 degrees North latitude)
Text description of the Oklahoma City, Oklahoma image.

The image is a digital map depicting a broad view of the United States and parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. The map emphasizes geographical boundaries, coastlines, and major city locations. A red marker pinpoints Oklahoma City in central Oklahoma within the United States. Surrounding states are labeled, including Texas to the south and Kansas to the north. Great Lakes are visible in the northeast, and major bodies of water such as the Gulf of Mexico are labeled. Cities like Toronto, New York, and Chicago are marked. The map has a light beige color palette with green hues representing various terrains.

Credit: Google Maps

color-coded temperature map

Three maps showing global surface temperature data from January 1979, indicating daytime and nighttime temperatures, and their differences..
color-coded temperature map
Text description of the color-coded temperature map image.

The image consists of three maps depicting global surface temperature data from January 1979. The maps are aligned vertically. Each map uses a color gradient to represent temperature variations, with a legend indicating "cooler" to "warmer" or "no difference" to "large difference."

The top map (a) illustrates the Mean Daytime Surface Temperature, showing the Earth in dark blue, transitioning to red and yellow. Cooler regions are shaded in blues and greens, primarily in polar areas, while warmer regions are in reds, covering much of the equatorial and mid-latitude zones.

The middle map (b) portrays the Mean Nighttime Surface Temperature, similarly colored, but with differences in intensity, indicating nighttime cooling. Polar regions remain cooler, and the warm areas are less intense compared to the daytime map.

The bottom map (c) displays the Day-Night Mean Surface Temperature Difference, using yellows and reds to highlight temperature discrepancies. Red regions signify larger differences, primarily over landmasses, while oceans show minimal variation in grey.

Credit: NASA/JPL

first frost

Map of New York and surrounding regions with color-coded overlays indicating different date ranges from September to November..
first frost
Text description of the first frost image.

The image is a map highlighting the state of New York and surrounding areas, including parts of Southern Canada, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont. It features a color-coded key at the bottom to denote different periods: September 1-10 in pink, September 11-20 in light pink, September 21-30 in cyan, October 1-10 in pale blue, October 10-20 in gray-blue, October 21-31 in pale blue-green, and November 1-10 in bright green. These colors are overlaid on various regions to indicate the average date of the first frost of autumn. Major cities such as Toronto, Hamilton, Buffalo, Rochester, Albany, and New York City are marked and labeled in black on the map.

Credit: PlantMaps.com

 

Earth as a Temperature Controller: Part II

patches of snow

Mountain landscape with cloudy sky, snow patches, and pine trees in the foreground.
patches of snow
Text description of the patches of snow image.

The image captures a mountainous landscape beneath a cloudy sky. The prominent mountain peak is in the right half of the image, with a rocky and rough texture, and appears bare at the top with minimal vegetation. Patches of snow are visible on the slopes, particularly toward the center-left. The foreground showcases dark green pine trees, adding depth and contrast to the scene. The clouds overhead are thick and gray, suggesting an overcast day.

Credit: Steve Seman @ Penn State is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0 (opens in a new window)

layers above the stratosphere

Diagram of Earth's atmospheric layers with altitude, temperature, and pressure indicators.
layers above the stratosphere
Text description of the layers above the stratosphere image.

The image is a diagram depicting the layers of Earth’s atmosphere and their relation to altitude, temperature, and pressure. It is divided into four sections by horizontal dashed lines, labeled from bottom to top: Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, and Thermosphere. The left vertical axis represents altitude in kilometers, ranging from 0 to 90 km. A red line shows the temperature trend across these layers, while a blue line indicates pressure. In the Troposphere, clouds and a plane are depicted, and the Ozone Layer is labeled in the Stratosphere. The diagram shows that 99.9% of the atmosphere by mass is below 50 km. The temperature scale at the bottom ranges from -90°C to 30°C, and the pressure scale ranges from 0 to 1000 mb.

Credit: David Babb @ Penn State is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0 (opens in a new window)

 

Air Masses and Fronts

blob of air

Abstract landscape with overlapping blue, pink, brown, and green shapes under a gradient sky.
blob of air
Text description of the blob of air image.

The image features an abstract landscape with overlapping geometric shapes. A large translucent blue shape dominates the left, marking a cold air mass. Adjacent to this is a pink shape that creates a border between the blue and the brown area on the right, marking a warmer air mass. Patches of green with a texture similar to foliage are at the bottom edge. The background transitions from a light pink to a gradient sky changing from purple to blue.

Credit: David Babb @ Penn State is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0 (opens in a new window)

18Z surface analysis for December 3, 2002

Weather map of the United States with an Arctic air mass and various meteorological symbols.
18Z surface analysis for December 3, 2002
Text description of the 18Z surface analysis for December 3, 2002 image.

The image is a detailed weather map of the United States, featuring various meteorological symbols and annotations. The northern and central areas are covered by a large purple-shaded region labeled "Arctic Air Mass." Various isobars, shown as curved lines with numerical notations, illustrate air pressure differences. Multiple symbols indicate fronts: red lines with semicircles depict warm fronts, blue lines with triangles show cold fronts, and alternating patterns denote stationary fronts. Numerals in various colors, primarily red and blue, display temperature and other weather data at different locations. The map includes geographical outlines of the United States and parts of Canada and Mexico, with major cities and borders visible.

Credit: Weather Prediction Center

warm side of the narrow ribbon of tightly packed isotherms

Weather map showing a frontal boundary separating blue cooler regions and red warmer regions in the U.S.
warm side of the narrow ribbon of tightly packed isotherms
Text description of the warm side of the narrow ribbon of tightly packed isotherms image.

The image is a weather map illustrating a frontal boundary dividing two regions with different temperatures in the United States. The map is split diagonally with a thick black line labeled "FRONT" that separates two color-coded areas. The upper left region is shaded in blue, representing lower temperatures ranging from 20°F to 35°F, with contour lines indicating temperature gradients. The lower right region is shaded in red, depicting higher temperatures between 45°F and 50°F. Various states are outlined, but no state names are indicated. Temperature markers with numerical values are placed on both horizontal and vertical axes.

Credit: David Babb @ Penn State is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0 (opens in a new window)

 

Types of Fronts

a chain of blue triangles

Blue triangular pennant flags on a curved line.
a chain of blue triangles
Text description of the a chain of blue triangles image.

The image shows the symbol for a cold front -- a series of blue pennant flags hanging along a curved line. The flags are triangular and evenly spaced, with the points facing downwards. The line on which the flags are attached curves gently upwards from left to right.

Credit: Weather Prediction Center

was barreling through the Midwest

A detailed meteorological surface analysis map of the U.S. showing fronts, isobars, and weather data for February 14, 2015.
barreling through the Midwest
Text description of the barreling through the Midwest image.

The image is a detailed weather surface analysis map of the continental United States, dated February 14, 2015. It displays various meteorological elements such as isobars, fronts, and station plots. Brown lines represent isobars indicating pressure, with numbers showing specific values. Blue triangles mark a cold front stretching from the northeast across the Central Plains, while a stationary front extends near the Mid-Atlantic Coast. Multiple high and low-pressure systems are marked with blue "H" and red "L" symbols dispersed throughout the map. Weather stations across the country provide temperature, wind direction, and speed indicators next to each station circle. The analysis is bordered by a black outline of the U.S. states, with Canada to the north and Mexico to the south.

Credit: Weather Prediction Center

snow squall reduced visibility to a few hundred feet

A snow-covered suburban street with a mailbox marked
snow squall reduced visibility to a few hundred feet
Text description of the snow squall reduced visibility to a few hundred feet image.

The image depicts a suburban street blanketed in heavy snow during what appears to be a snowstorm, creating reduced visibility. Snow covers the ground, piling up along the edges of the road and partially obscuring a mailbox on the left marked. Bare trees are visible on the left, their branches dark against the white landscape. Two faint red tail lights from a vehicle are seen in the center, disappearing into the whiteout conditions. Power lines stretch across the right side of the image, above more snow-covered structures and mailboxes.

Credit: Steve Seman @ Penn State is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0 (opens in a new window)

chain of red semicircles

Red circles on a diagonal, curved line on a white background.
chain of red semicircles
Text description of the chain of red semicircles image.

The image shows the symbol for a warm front -- a sequence of four red circles positioned along a smooth, curved line that moves diagonally from the bottom left to the top right. The circles are evenly spaced and sit on the line, suggesting a sense of progression or motion. The background is plain white, highlighting the red color of the circles and the line.

Credit: Weather Prediction Center

a chain of alternating blue triangles and red semicircles

A wavy red line with semicircles on the peaks and blue triangles on the troughs against a white background.
a chain of alternating blue triangles and red semicircles
Text description of the a chain of alternating blue triangles and red semicircles image.

The image features a chain of alternating blue triangles and red semicircles oriented in opposite directions, marking a stationary front. The background is a plain white, providing contrast to the colorful shapes.

Credit: Weather Prediction Center

purple triangles and semicircles alternating on the same side of the front

a curved purple line with attached purple semicircles and pruple tirangles.
purple triangles and semicircles alternating on the same side of the front
Text description of the purple triangles and semicircles alternating on the same side of the front image.

The image features a simple, stylized design marking an occluded front, with a white background. It depicts a wavy, curved purple line stretching from the left to the right side. On top of the curve, alternating purple semicircles and triangles are oriented in the same direction.

Credit: Weather Prediction Center

 

Temperature Advection

northwesterly winds transporting cold air southeastward behind a cold front

Surface analysis map of the U.S. showing weather fronts, pressure systems, and meteorological data from January 28, 2010.
northwesterly winds transporting cold air southeastward behind a cold front
Text description of the northwesterly winds transporting cold air southeastward behind a cold front image.

The image is a detailed surface analysis weather map of the contiguous United States, dated January 28, 2010. It illustrates various meteorological elements, including high and low-pressure systems marked by "H" and "L" symbols, respectively. Blue and red lines with symbols indicate cold and warm fronts. Isobars are displayed as brown lines, labeled with pressure values in millibars. Temperature and dew point data are scattered across the map in red and green numerals, indicating various meteorological conditions. Specific regions highlight different weather phenomena based on these symbols and colors.

Credit: Weather Prediction Center

area of warm advection occurring north of the Great Lakes

Weather map showing temperature, heights, and wind speed in North America with an indicated area of warm advection.
area of warm advection occurring north of the Great Lakes
Text description of the area of warm advection occurring north of the Great Lakes image.

The image is a weather map showing temperatures at around 5,000 feet in Celsius and wind speed in knots across North America. The map features temperature gradients with a color scale at the bottom ranging from purple (coldest) to brown (warmest). The northern part of the map is depicted in shades of purple and blue, indicating lower temperatures, while the southern areas are shown in green, yellow, and brown shades, representing higher temperatures. Short black wind barbs indicate wind direction and speed. A rectangular area in the central northern part of the map is labeled as "Area of warm advection" with winds blowing from higher temperatures toward lower temperatures.

Credit: Pivotal Weather

example from Findlay, Ohio when temperatures began falling at 10 A.M. local time

Graph depicts hourly temperature and dewpoint for Findlay, Ohio, on February 14th.
example from Findlay, Ohio when temperatures began falling at 10 A.M. local time
Text description of the example from Findlay, Ohio when temperatures began falling at 10 A.M. local time image.

The image is a line graph showing hourly data for temperature and dewpoint temperature in Findlay, Ohio. The x-axis represents time, marked at two-hour intervals from 12:00 AM to 6:00 PM on February 14th. The y-axis represents temperature in degrees Fahrenheit, ranging from -10 to 40. The black line indicates actual temperature, beginning at around 30°F and declining markedly after 10:00 AM, while the green line shows dewpoint temperature, starting near 20°F and displaying a gradual increase until 6:00 AM, after which it declines in parallel with the temperature. The graph includes a legend showing which colors correspond to temperature and dewpoint temperature.

Credit: Midwest Regional Climate Center

 

Clouds, Water Vapor, and Temperature

official daily observations from Penn State University on July 6, 2017

Weather data table including temperatures and precipitation measurements.
official daily observations from Penn State University on July 6, 2017
Text description of the official daily observations from Penn State University on July 6, 2017 image.

The image is a screenshot depicting a simple text table listing weather-related data. 

Transcribed text:

            High Temperature             :      71
            Low Temperature              :      68
            Mean Temperature             :      70
            Rain or liquid equivalent    :    0.13
            Snow and/or Ice Pellets      :     0.0
            Snow Depth                   :       0
Credit: Penn State Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science

 

Precipitation, Ground Cover, and Temperature

 

Measuring Temperature

Liquid-in-glass thermometers

Two thermometers housed in metallic frames mounted on a wooden panel.
Liquid-in-glass thermometers
Text description of the Liquid-in-glass thermometers image.

The image shows two horizontal thermometers mounted on a white wooden panel. The thermometers are each encased in a long, narrow metallic frame. The upper thermometer has a red bulb on the left end and is straight, while the lower thermometer has a silver bulb and is slightly inclined. Both have marked scales with increments, and they are attached with screws. To the right, partially visible, is a piece of paper or card with printed instructions.

Credit: National Weather Service

Thermistors

Two blue wires with silver tips connected to a black sensor on a light gray background.
Thermistors
Text description of the Thermistors image.

The image displays a small electronic component against a plain light gray background. The component consists of two parallel blue wires with silver tips on one end. The wires are connected to a black, bulbous end, which is a thermistor. The blue wires are slightly curved and run parallel to each other, with the black end slightly curving upward.

exterior temperature readings on car dashboards

Car dashboard display showing 101°F external temperature and radio station details.
exterior temperature readings on car dashboards
Text description of the exterior temperature readings on car dashboards image.

The image shows a car's digital dashboard display. At the top, a yellow circle highlights the external temperature, reading "101°F." The display also shows the current indoor temperature at "71°F," the same value repeated twice on either side, and the time "12:58." Below this information, there is a section displaying the radio station "32 The Bridge," with the song title "Still The One" by the band "Orleans." A small dog icon is located on the left side of the station information. The bottom of the display shows options: "Replay," "Tune," and "Info." The dashboard has a black plastic surface with surrounding air vents visible at the top.

Credit: Steve Seman © Penn State is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 (opens in a new window)

shields that serve the same basic function of a cotton-region shelter

Weather monitoring device with a dome-shaped top and cylindrical base mounted on a pole.
shields that serve the same basic function of a cotton-region shelter
Text description of the shields that serve the same basic function of a cotton-region shelter image.

The image shows a weather monitoring device mounted on a metal pole. The device features a white dome-shaped top and a cylindrical base, connected to a flat disc-like section. Several cables are attached to the structure, leading to a rectangular control unit positioned parallel to the pole. The sky in the background is mostly cloudy, with patches of blue visible. There is a hint of vegetation at the bottom, suggesting the device is situated outdoors in a rural or semi-rural area.

Credit: National Weather Service