21 Views

Which is the main factor influencing the distribution of temperature ?


Amruta Pawar 9th Nov, 2024
Answers (2)
Samprikta Mondal 10th Nov, 2024

Latitude is the most significant factor that determines the distribution of temperature on Earth.


The more you are moved away from the equator, or low latitudes, the smaller your angle of incidence of the Sun's rays on the Earth becomes. The smaller the concentration of the solar energy per unit area, the smaller the temperatures at higher latitudes.


So let's break down how latitude impacts temperature.


Equatorial Regions: Receives direct sunlight throughout the year. Temperature is high.   Mid-Latitude Regions: The temperature changes at these regions. Summers are warmer, and winters are colder. Polar Regions: Receive direct sunlight in a limited manner. Temperature is relatively low.   While latitude is the biggest affecting factor, other factors also influence the temperature distribution are as well: Altitude: Temperatures decline with an increase in altitude. This is because of lowered atmospheric pressure and density.

Ocean Currents: Warm and cold ocean currents often control the temperature.

Distance from the Sea: Places with proximity to the sea tend to have temperatures that are relatively milder than those far from the sea.

Atmospheric Circulation: In the atmosphere, wind circulation and pressure systems determine temperature distribution.

However, the greatest determinant of the Earth's temperature distribution is still latitude.

Sajal Trivedi 10th Nov, 2024

Hello aspirant,

Natural elements like latitude, height, and the existence of ocean currents affect a region's temperature characteristics. Factors like a region's closeness to mountain ranges and predominant winds might affect its precipitation characteristics.

Thank you

Hope it helps you

Related Questions

Amity University-Noida B.Tech...
Apply
Among top 100 Universities Globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026
KIET MBA Admissions 2026
Apply
Affiliated to AKTU | Approved by AICTE | Accredited by NAAC A+ | Rs. 48.89 LPA Highest CTC | Microsoft, Samsung, Infosys, Adobe, Amazon | NIRF-2023...
VIT - VITEEE 2026
Apply
National level exam conducted by VIT University, Vellore | Ranked #16 by NIRF for Engg. | NAAC A++ Accredited
Great Lakes Institute of Mana...
Apply
Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.8 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2025
IBSAT 2025-ICFAI Business Sch...
Apply
IBSAT 2025-Your gateway to MBA/PGPM @ IBS Hyderabad and 8 other IBS campuses | Scholarships worth 10 CR
Amity University-Noida M.Tech...
Apply
Among top 100 Universities Globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026
View All Application Forms

Download the Careers360 App on your Android phone

Regular exam updates, QnA, Predictors, College Applications & E-books now on your Mobile

150M+ Students
30,000+ Colleges
500+ Exams
1500+ E-books