Lowest temperature on earth
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Lowest Temperature on Earth: A Comprehensive Analysis
Historical Records of Lowest Temperatures
The quest to identify the lowest temperature on Earth has led researchers to some of the coldest regions on the planet, including the South Polar Plateau, northeastern Siberia, Greenland, and Canada. Historical records have shown that these areas consistently report the lowest air temperatures due to their unique geographical and climatic conditions1.
Vostok Station: A Benchmark for Cold
One of the most notable records was set at Russia’s Vostok Station in Antarctica, where a temperature of -89°C (-128°F) was recorded in 1983. This record stood for many years as the lowest air temperature ever measured at a weather station2. The Vostok Station, located on a high plateau, has been a focal point for studying extreme cold due to its elevation and isolation from moderating influences.
Satellite Observations: Pushing the Limits
In recent years, satellite technology has allowed scientists to measure temperatures in remote and inaccessible areas with greater accuracy. A study conducted in 2013 using satellite data from the East Antarctic Plateau revealed temperatures as low as -93°C (-135°F), surpassing the Vostok Station record2. Further analysis of satellite data from 2004 to 2016 indicated even lower temperatures, reaching -97.8°C (-144°F) during the southern polar night2. These findings highlight the importance of satellite observations in understanding extreme temperature phenomena.
Factors Contributing to Extreme Cold
The extreme low temperatures in Antarctica are influenced by several factors. Clear skies, very little wind, and extremely dry air are essential conditions for the temperature to drop to such low levels. The dry air allows heat to radiate away from the surface more efficiently, leading to further cooling2. Additionally, the coldest temperatures are often recorded in small basins that trap the dense, cold air, creating pockets of extreme cold2.
Global Patterns of Cold Extremes
A global investigation into land surface temperatures (LST) using data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) has shown that Antarctica holds the record for the coldest place on Earth, with temperatures plummeting to -110.9°C3. This study underscores the significant latitudinal patterns in temperature extremes, with the coldest temperatures consistently observed in polar regions.
Conclusion
The lowest temperatures on Earth have been recorded in Antarctica, with the Vostok Station and satellite observations providing critical data. The combination of clear skies, minimal wind, and extremely dry air creates the perfect conditions for these record-breaking lows. As technology advances, our understanding of these extreme environments continues to grow, offering new insights into the coldest places on our planet.
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ON THE LOWEST TEMPERATURES ON EARTH
The South Polar Plateau, northeastern Siberia, Greenland, and Canada have the lowest air temperatures on Earth, as determined by proper documentation and geographical analysis.
News and Notes
The East Antarctic Plateau has experienced temperatures as low as -97.8°C (–144°F) during the southern polar night, with extreme dry air and clear skies being key factors in maintaining these temperatures.
Global Patterns of Hottest, Coldest and Extreme Diurnal Variability on Earth
The world's highest land surface temperature of 80.8°C, the coldest place on Earth, and the highest diurnal temperature range of 81.8°C are found in deserts and xeric shrublands, with strong latitudinal patterns.
THE LOWEST TEMPERATURE IN ANTARCTICA
The -187.4° C record set in Antarctica during the 1958 winter season is the lowest temperature ever recorded in the world.
A Low Temperature Limit for Life on Earth
The vitrification temperature represents a general lower thermal limit for life on Earth, with free-living microbial cells undergoing freeze-induced desiccation and a glass transition at 10°C to 26°C, and multicellular organisms varying in response to low temperatures.
Rigorous Journal
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The Lut Desert in Iran is much hotter than previously thought, with a record land surface temperature of 80.83°C in 2018, and a diurnal variability range up to 71°C depending on the season.
Ultralow Surface Temperatures in East Antarctica From Satellite Thermal Infrared Mapping: The Coldest Places on Earth
Ultralow surface temperatures in East Antarctica are caused by radiative surface cooling, extreme inversion layers, and heat from subsurface snow, with temperatures reaching 98°C in some areas.
Climate change record in subsurface temperatures: A global perspective
The 20th century has been the warmest of the past five centuries, with subsurface temperatures indicating a 0.5 degrees C increase in surface temperature and a 1.0 degrees C increase over the past five centuries.
Highly CitedSTATE OF THE CLIMATE IN 2017
In 2017, global temperatures were second or third highest since records began, with record high greenhouse gas levels and decreasing Arctic sea ice extent contributing to the warming trend.
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