Temperature

People usually describe the temperature as hot or cold. The real definition of temperature is the measure of the average speed of air molecules. Temperature is measured in degrees by using a thermometer.They are read in the shade because their measurements are too high when placed in direct sunlight.

The temperature of the air depends on the temperature of the surface directly below. The temperature remains lower on surfaces like snow and ice because less sunlight is absorbed than in areas of forests and soil.

Also, the air feels colder as you climb up a mountain. This happens because the temperature decreases as you move away from the surface. The weather is strongly affected by the temperature.

Last modified June 11, 2010 by Becca Hatheway.

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