Distribution of temperature and inversion of temperature

The correct answer is A. A temperature inversion means that temperature increases with altitude instead of decreasing. In the stratosphere, ozone absorbs solar ultraviolet radiation and warms the surrounding air, so temperature generally rises with height through much of this layer. Atmospheric pressure, by contrast, generally decreases with altitude.

Temperature is not same everywhere and changes due to many factors. In exams understand temperature distribution as spatial variation.

The angle of sun rays changes the amount of energy received per area. In exams link latitude with solar angle.

Near the equator solar energy is received more directly. In exams link low latitudes with higher temperature.

At poles solar energy spreads over a larger area and heating is weaker. In exams link high latitudes with low temperature.

Correct answer: A. Normally, air temperature decreases with height near the surface. On a clear, calm night, the ground loses heat rapidly through terrestrial radiation because clouds do not return much outgoing energy. The ground then cools the thin layer of air touching it, while air above may remain relatively warmer. Temperature consequently increases with height through this shallow layer, producing an inversion. B is wrong because clouds reduce night-time radiational cooling and strong wind mixes the air. C is wrong because strong daytime heating usually warms the surface and encourages ordinary convection. D is wrong because vigorous convection mixes warm and cool air and breaks a stable inversion. Memory cue: clear sky plus calm air lets the ground cool from below.

The direct answer is A: high mountain places are colder because temperature generally decreases as altitude increases. Near the surface, air is warmed mainly from below by the heated land. As air rises, atmospheric pressure becomes lower; the air expands and cools, so higher elevations usually have lower temperatures. The reasoning is: greater height, lower pressure, expansion of rising air, and lower temperature. Option A is correct and expresses the altitude rule. Option B is wrong because the Sun shines on mountains too; mountains may receive strong sunlight, but their air is still colder. Option C is wrong because mountain air is thinner, not absent. Option D is wrong because the sea does not send heat to every high mountain, and the statement does not explain the general pattern. Weather can sometimes create exceptions, but the normal geographical rule is the decrease of temperature with height. Exam cue: remember the normal lapse rate is about 6.5°C per kilometre in the troposphere.

Land has lower heat capacity than water so its temperature changes faster. In exams remember land water contrast.

The sea heats and cools slowly so coastal temperature remains moderate. In exams link coasts with maritime influence.

Far from sea land heats and cools quickly. In exams link continentality with greater temperature range.

Warm currents can warm coasts and cold currents can cool coasts. In exams link currents with coastal temperature.

A warm ocean current carries relatively warm water towards the coast. The air above this water is warmed, and this maritime influence can raise the temperature of the nearby coastal area. Therefore, option A is correct. Option B is generally associated with cold ocean currents. Exam tip: warm currents make neighbouring coasts relatively warmer, while cold currents make them relatively cooler.

A cold current can make a coastal area relatively cooler. In exams link cold current with cooling effect.

Winds bring thermal qualities of their source region. In exams note wind direction and source.

Sea winds can moderate temperature due to maritime influence and moisture. In exams link sea winds with moderation.

Land winds have less maritime moderation so temperature range can be higher. Link land winds with continental influence.

The direct answer is A, because the receipt of solar rays differs. Slope aspect means the direction toward which a slope faces. Different-facing slopes receive sunlight at different angles and for different lengths of time. Step by step: the Sun provides energy; aspect changes the angle and duration of sunlight; different energy receipt changes heating; therefore aspect can affect temperature. Option A is correct. Option B, a slope stopping rivers, does not explain temperature. Option C, saying slopes have no air, is false; slopes do have air, although wind and pressure may vary. Option D, a slope becoming a sea, is unrelated and impossible in this context. In the Northern Hemisphere, a generally south-facing slope often receives more direct sunlight, but local conditions can modify the effect. Exam cue: aspect means direction; direction controls solar receipt.

In the Northern Hemisphere south facing slopes can receive more solar energy. In exams think of hemisphere and slope direction together.

Trees provide shade and can cool through transpiration. In exams treat vegetation as a local temperature moderator.

Urban surfaces such as concrete and asphalt absorb solar energy, store it as heat, and release it slowly. Therefore, urban temperatures, especially at night, may remain higher than those of nearby rural areas. Cities are not meaningfully closer to the Sun than villages, so that is not a valid reason. Exam tip: this effect is called the urban heat island.

Isotherms show temperature distribution on a map. In exams remember isotherm as equal temperature.

Isotherms help compare temperatures of different areas. In exams treat them as the basis of temperature maps.

Annual range is the difference between hottest and coldest monthly temperatures. In exams understand it as seasonal temperature difference.

Daily range shows the difference between maximum and minimum temperature in a day. In exams remember day night temperature difference.

Sea has high heat capacity so temperature remains moderate. Link maritime influence with low temperature range in exams.