NCERT books are the most recommended and essential books to prepare for all national level competitive exams like - UPSC, Bank PO and SSC exams etc. So, while preparing for such exams one must have NCERT study notes. It is very crucial because it helps us in making the basic concepts strong.

Here in this article, we will talk about study notes of Factors Controlling Temperature Distribution. The basic factors that are responsible for controlling temperature distribution are:

• The latitude of the place
• The altitude of the place
• Distance from the sea
• Ocean currents
• Air masses
• Local aspects

Factors Controlling Temperature Distribution: The Latitude

• The temperature of a place depends upon the insolation received.
• The earth’s crust is curved, so the sun‘s vertical rays strike different parts of the earth's surface at different angles.
• At the equator, the vertical rays hit the surface of the earth at an angle of 90◦(angle of incidence).
• That’s why the temperature varies accordingly.

Factors Controlling Temperature Distribution: The Altitude

• The atmosphere is mostly heated by terrestrial radiation.
• Therefore, the places near the earth's surface are warmer than the places away from the surface (at higher elevations).
• Hence, as the height increases from the earth surface, the temperature goes on decreasing.
• The temperature usually decreases at an average rate of nearly 6 degrees Celsius per 1000 m altitude, this is also known as the Normal Lapse Rate.

Factors Controlling Temperature Distribution: Distance from the Sea

• The location of a place is another factor that influences the temperature with respect to the sea.
• There is a variation in the temperature of land and sea.
• The sea gets heated slowly and loses heat slowly if we compare it to the land.
• Land heats up and cools down quickly.
• So, the difference in temperature over the sea is less compared to the surface of the earth.

Factors Controlling Temperature Distribution: Ocean Currents

• Ocean currents are large streams of water flowing in the oceans.
• These are of two types - warm and cold.
• Warm ocean currents make the coasts warmer along which they flow.
• Cold ocean currents reduce the temperature of the coasts along which they flow.

Factors Controlling Temperature Distribution: Air Masses

• The passageway of air masses also affects the temperature like the sea breezes and land.
• The places, which come under the influence of warm air masses experience higher temperatures, whereas the places that come under the influence of cold air masses experience low temperatures.

Along with the above mentioned, there are other factors that are responsible for controlling temperature distribution. These include - winds, nature of the soil, slope and aspect of the surface, etc. For instance, light-coloured soil has a strong impact on the largest portion of insolation, whereas dark soil comparatively absorbs more insolation.

FAQs

Question: What are the primary factors controlling the distribution of temperature on Earth?

Question: How does latitude influence temperature distribution?

Question: Why do coastal areas experience moderate temperatures compared to inland regions?

Question: What is the role of ocean currents in temperature distribution?

Question: How does altitude affect temperature distribution?

MCQs 

1. Which of the following factors has the greatest influence on the temperature variation between the equator and poles?

A) Altitude

B) Ocean currents

C) Latitude

D) Human activities

2. What is the effect of altitude on temperature?

A) Temperature increases with altitude

B) Temperature remains constant

C) Temperature decreases with altitude

D) Altitude has no effect on temperature

3. Coastal areas experience moderate temperatures due to:

A) High altitude

B) Influence of ocean currents

C) Proximity to large water bodies

D) Dense forest cover

4. Which of the following ocean currents is a warm current?

A) Labrador Current

B) Gulf Stream

C) Canary Current

D) Benguela Current

5. The term 'continentality' refers to:

A) Influence of altitude on temperature

B) The moderating effect of ocean currents

C) Difference in temperature between coastal and inland regions

D) Variation in temperature due to latitude

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Explain the factors controlling the distribution of temperature on Earth and their interrelationship.

Answer: The distribution of temperature on Earth is controlled by several factors, including latitude, altitude, distance from the sea (continentality), ocean currents, and prevailing winds. Latitude determines the angle at which solar radiation strikes the Earth, leading to higher temperatures near the equator and lower temperatures near the poles. Altitude influences temperature due to the lapse rate, with higher altitudes experiencing cooler temperatures. Distance from the sea moderates temperatures; coastal areas have a more balanced climate due to the slow heating and cooling of water bodies. Ocean currents redistribute heat globally, with warm currents raising temperatures and cold currents lowering them. Prevailing winds further transfer heat across different regions. These factors are interconnected, creating diverse climatic zones and temperature patterns across the globe.

Q2: Discuss the impact of ocean currents on the climate of coastal regions.

Answer: Ocean currents have a significant impact on the climate of coastal regions by redistributing heat across the globe. Warm currents, such as the Gulf Stream, elevate temperatures and create milder climates in nearby coastal areas. Conversely, cold currents, like the Labrador Current, can lower temperatures and contribute to cooler climates. Ocean currents also influence precipitation patterns by carrying moisture, affecting local weather conditions. The interaction between ocean currents and wind systems further shapes regional climates. Understanding their role is crucial for predicting weather patterns, managing marine resources, and mitigating climate change impacts.

Q3: Evaluate the influence of altitude on temperature distribution with examples.

Answer: Altitude plays a crucial role in temperature distribution through the lapse rate, where temperature decreases with an increase in elevation. For example, mountainous regions like the Himalayas are much cooler than the plains despite being located at similar latitudes. The decrease in air pressure and density at higher altitudes reduces the ability of the atmosphere to retain heat, leading to cooler temperatures. This phenomenon is evident in cities like Shimla and Darjeeling, which have lower temperatures compared to nearby lower-altitude regions. Altitude also affects vegetation, biodiversity, and human settlements, emphasizing its significance in temperature distribution and climate patterns.

Previous Year Questions on Factors Influencing Temperature

1. UPSC CSE - 2020

Question: "Discuss the factors affecting the temperature distribution over land and oceans."

Answer: The distribution of temperature over land and oceans is influenced by several factors, including latitude, altitude, and the specific heat capacity of land and water. Latitude affects the angle and intensity of solar radiation, leading to temperature variations from the equator to the poles. Land heats and cools more quickly than water due to its lower specific heat capacity, causing more significant temperature fluctuations on land compared to oceans. Ocean currents redistribute heat, with warm currents elevating temperatures in coastal regions and cold currents lowering them. Altitude also plays a role, as higher elevations experience cooler temperatures due to decreased air density and pressure. Winds and atmospheric circulation further influence temperature distribution across land and oceans.

2. UPSC CSE - 2019

Question: "Explain the role of latitude and altitude in determining the climatic conditions of a region."

Answer: Latitude determines the angle of solar radiation received by a region, directly affecting its temperature and climatic conditions. Regions near the equator receive direct sunlight, leading to warmer climates, while higher latitudes receive slanted rays, resulting in cooler climates. Altitude influences climate through the lapse rate, where temperature decreases with an increase in elevation. Higher-altitude areas, like mountains, have cooler temperatures compared to lowland areas at the same latitude. This affects vegetation, biodiversity, and weather patterns. Together, latitude and altitude shape the climatic characteristics of a region, creating diverse environments ranging from tropical rainforests to polar deserts.