Range of temperatures on earth
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Range of Temperatures on Earth
Global Surface Temperature Variability
The Earth's surface temperature has been meticulously studied over the past century, revealing significant variability and trends. Analysis of atmospheric temperatures from 1880 to 2012 shows that the relative error in temperature measurements is roughly constant over time, varying between ±0.03 and ±0.05 K . This consistency is crucial for understanding long-term climate trends and the impact of anthropogenic activities.
Extreme Temperature Records
Hottest and Coldest Places on Earth
The hottest land surface temperature (LST) recorded on Earth is 80.8°C, observed in the Lut Desert in Iran and the Sonoran Desert in Mexico. This is significantly higher than the previous global record of 70.7°C . On the other end of the spectrum, the coldest temperature recorded is -110.9°C in Antarctica . These extremes highlight the vast range of temperatures experienced on our planet.
Diurnal Temperature Range (DTR)
The diurnal temperature range, which is the difference between the daily maximum and minimum temperatures, also shows significant variability. The maximum DTR recorded is 81.8°C in a desert environment in China . This variability is influenced by factors such as cloud cover and atmospheric conditions, which differentially affect maximum and minimum temperatures .
Climate Sensitivity and Future Projections
Equilibrium Climate Sensitivity (ECS)
Climate sensitivity, particularly the equilibrium climate sensitivity (ECS), is a critical measure for predicting future warming. ECS estimates the long-term global temperature response to doubled atmospheric CO2 levels. Recent studies have narrowed the likely range of ECS to between 2.6°C and 3.9°C, which is more precise than the previously accepted range of 1.5°C to 4.5°C 27. This refined range is based on contemporary warming trends, feedback mechanisms, and historical climate data.
Transient Climate Response (TCR)
The transient climate response (TCR) measures the surface temperature increase at the time of CO2 doubling, assuming a 1% per year increase in CO2. The TCR range for current Earth system models is between 1.3°C and 3.0°C . These metrics are essential for understanding short-term climate changes and informing policy decisions.
Historical Temperature Trends
20th Century Warming
Over the past 150 years, global surface air temperatures have shown significant warming trends. The two periods of greatest warming in the 20th century were 1925-1944 and 1978-1997, with temperature increases of 0.37°C and 0.32°C, respectively . This warming has been accompanied by a decrease in areas affected by exceptionally cool temperatures and an increase in areas experiencing exceptionally warm temperatures .
Asymmetric Temperature Trends
Recent data indicate that minimum temperatures have increased more rapidly than maximum temperatures, leading to a decrease in the diurnal temperature range. From 1950 to 2004, minimum temperatures increased by 0.204°C per decade, while maximum temperatures increased by 0.141°C per decade . This trend is partially attributed to increased cloud cover and other atmospheric conditions .
Conclusion
The range of temperatures on Earth is vast, from the scorching 80.8°C in deserts to the frigid -110.9°C in Antarctica. Understanding these extremes, along with the trends in global surface temperatures and climate sensitivity, is crucial for predicting future climate changes and mitigating their impacts. The refined estimates of climate sensitivity and transient climate response provide a clearer picture of the potential future warming, emphasizing the need for strong limitations on CO2 emissions to manage global temperature rise effectively.
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