Exploration 3

A Comparison of Regional Temperature Anomalies

In this exploration, you will investigate how temperatures vary on regional scales by examining the Florida, North America and Global temperature anomalies.

***To print this exploration and record your responses, download this PDF document  .***

Once you have finished Exploration 3, read the Scientists' Explanation for A Comparison of Regional Temperature Anomalies.

Temperature Anomaly Data for 1880-2010: Northern and Southern Hemisphere Temperatures

 

Use the interactive, time series graphing tool above to answer the following questions:
  1. 1. Make a few hypotheses before you begin to compare the 130-year for Florida, North America, and global temperature anomalies.
    1. Do you think the Florida, North America, and Global Temperature Anomalies will show a warming trend?
      _____ Yes _____ No
    2. Do you think that the more recent decades will show an increased rate of warming for Florida, North America, and globally?
      _____ Yes _____ No
    3. Which do you think will have a greater range between high and low temperature anomalies?
      _____ Northern Hemisphere _____ Southern Hemisphere
    4. d. Which do you think has more variable temperature anomalies over time?
      ____ Northern Hemisphere _____ Southern Hemisphere
  2. Analyze the temperature anomaly variation for Florida: Uncheck the box next to Global and check on the box next to FL. You should see the Florida temperature anomaly data only.
    1. Describe the general trend for change in Florida temperature anomalies.
    2. What is the lowest temperature anomaly recorded during that time period? What is the highest? What is the range of temperature anomalies (lowest to highest)?
  3. Analyze the temperature anomaly variation for North America: Check on the FL box beneath the graph to uncheck it, and click on the NA box. You should see the North American temperature anomaly data only.
    1. Describe the general trend for land temperature anomaly.
    2. What is the lowest temperature anomaly recorded during that time period? What is the highest? What is the range of temperature anomalies (lowest to highest)?
  4. Look at the global temperature anomaly data for 1880-2010. Check the Global Temperature Anomaly box below the graph to see the data displayed on the graph.
    1. Describe the general temperature anomaly trend over this time period.
    2. What is the lowest temperature anomaly recorded during that time period? What is the highest? What is the range of temperature anomalies (lowest to highest)?
  5. Use the data you recorded in questions 1 - 3 to complete the table below.
Geographic
Space
Lowest Temperature
Anomaly (°C)
Highest Temperature
Anomaly (°C)
Range (°C)
Lowest to Highest
Temperature Anomaly
Florida      
North America      
Global      
Which location has the smallest range in temperature variation? Which has the largest? Explain why you think this trend occurred.
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