Temperature gradient
Temperature difference per unit of length
- 1 min read
- 3 chapters
Related on Lably
Through Physical quantity, Temperature and Dimensional analysis
Mathematical description
Assuming that the temperature T is an intensive quantity, i.e., a single-valued, continuous and differentiable function of three-dimensional space (often called a scalar field), i.e., that
where x, y and z are the coordinates of the location of interest, then the temperature gradient is the vector quantity defined as
Sign in to keep reading
2 more chapters are free with a Lably account.
Physical processes
Meteorology
Differences in air temperature between different locations are critical in weather forecasting and climate analysis. The absorption of solar light at or near the planetary surface increases the temperature gradient and results in convection (a major process of cloud formation, often associated with precipitation). Meteorological fronts are regions where the horizontal temperature gradient reaches relatively high values, as these are boundaries between air masses with distinct properties.
Atmospheric temperature gradients can change substantially over time, most commonly due to diurnal or seasonal heating and cooling. One example is an inversion, a situation in which the temperature at ground level is colder than higher up in the atmosphere. This often occurs over night under clear skies which allow the ground to radiate to space without much absorption in the overlying atmosphere.
Weathering
Expansion and contraction of rock, caused by temperature changes during a wildfire, through thermal stress weathering, may result in thermal shock and subsequent structure failure.