Everything about Temperature Gradient totally explained
In atmospheric sciences (
meteorology,
climatology and related fields), the
temperature gradient (typically of
air, more generally of any
fluid) is a physical quantity that describes in which direction and at what rate the
temperature changes the most rapidly around a particular location. The temperature gradient is a dimensional quantity expressed in
units of degrees (on a particular temperature scale) per unit length. The
SI unit is
kelvin per
metre (K/m).
Mathematical description
Assuming that the temperature
T is an
intensive quantity, for example, a single-valued,
continuous and
differentiable function of three-dimensional space (often called a
scalar field), for example, that
»
where
x,
y and
z are the
coordinates of the location of interest, then the temperature gradient is the
vector quantity defined as
»
Weather and climate relevance
Differences in air temperature between different locations are critical in weather forecasting and climate. The absorption of solar light at or near the planetary surface increases the temperature gradient and may result in
convection (a major process of
cloud formation, often associated with
precipitation). Similarly, on a global and annual basis, the dynamics of the atmosphere (and the oceans) can be understood as attempting to reduce the large difference of temperature between the
poles and the equator by redistributing masses of warm and cold air (and water).
Meteorological fronts are regions where the horizontal temperature gradient may reach relatively high values, as these are boundaries between
air masses with rather distinct properties.
Clearly, the temperature gradient may change substantially in time, as a result of diurnal or seasonal heating and cooling for instance.
Day to day experiences and health issues
Other places where noticeable temperature gradients can be experienced include the entrance (or exits) of air conditioned shops in the summer, or the entrance of caves and other protected or poorly ventilated areas.
Rapid changes in temperature (in space or time) may cause discomfort and, in extreme cases, heat or cold stresses.
Further Information
Get more info on 'Temperature Gradient'.
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