Question
Warm-Up
Warm-Up
Find the place where you live on the world map. Estimate the latitude, and then answer the questions below the world map.

Based on the latitude you estimated, predict how much energy is transferred from the sun to the surface, and then to the air in your city.
T
Other than latitude, what else do you think might affect the air temperature where you live?
Scroll for mor
Warm-Up
Find the place where you live on the world map. Estimate the latitude, and then answer the questions below the world map.

Based on the latitude you estimated, predict how much energy is transferred from the sun to the surface, and then to the air in your city.
T
Other than latitude, what else do you think might affect the air temperature where you live?
Scroll for mor
Answers
GPT-4o mini
To help you with the warm-up exercise, let’s first clarify how to approach the questions.
1. **Finding Your Location on the World Map:**
- Look at a world map to identify the area where you live. You can usually spot this by finding your country or state.
2. **Estimating Latitude:**
- Latitude is measured in degrees north or south of the equator (0°). For example, cities closer to the equator (like Quito, Ecuador, at about 0° latitude) generally experience warmer temperatures compared to those further north or south (like cities in Canada, which can be as far north as around 60° latitude).
3. **Predicting Energy Transfer from the Sun:**
- Generally, areas near the equator receive more direct sunlight year-round, leading to higher energy transfer and warmer temperatures. As latitude increases, sunlight strikes the Earth at a more oblique angle, which can lead to less energy transfer and cooler temperatures. You can hypothesize how much energy is transferred based on how close or far you are from the equator.
4. **Other Factors Affecting Air Temperature:**
- In addition to latitude, several other factors can influence the air temperature in your location, including:
- **Altitude:** Higher elevations usually have cooler temperatures.
- **Proximity to Water Bodies:** Areas near oceans or lakes often have milder climates due to water’s heat-retaining properties.
- **Urbanization:** Cities can have "urban heat islands" where temperatures are higher due to concrete and asphalt absorbing heat.
- **Vegetation:** Forests and parks can moderate temperatures compared to urban environments.
- **Climate Zones:** Regional climate patterns (tropical, temperate, arid, etc.) significantly influence local temperatures.
Feel free to fill out the answers based on your specific location and observations!
1. **Finding Your Location on the World Map:**
- Look at a world map to identify the area where you live. You can usually spot this by finding your country or state.
2. **Estimating Latitude:**
- Latitude is measured in degrees north or south of the equator (0°). For example, cities closer to the equator (like Quito, Ecuador, at about 0° latitude) generally experience warmer temperatures compared to those further north or south (like cities in Canada, which can be as far north as around 60° latitude).
3. **Predicting Energy Transfer from the Sun:**
- Generally, areas near the equator receive more direct sunlight year-round, leading to higher energy transfer and warmer temperatures. As latitude increases, sunlight strikes the Earth at a more oblique angle, which can lead to less energy transfer and cooler temperatures. You can hypothesize how much energy is transferred based on how close or far you are from the equator.
4. **Other Factors Affecting Air Temperature:**
- In addition to latitude, several other factors can influence the air temperature in your location, including:
- **Altitude:** Higher elevations usually have cooler temperatures.
- **Proximity to Water Bodies:** Areas near oceans or lakes often have milder climates due to water’s heat-retaining properties.
- **Urbanization:** Cities can have "urban heat islands" where temperatures are higher due to concrete and asphalt absorbing heat.
- **Vegetation:** Forests and parks can moderate temperatures compared to urban environments.
- **Climate Zones:** Regional climate patterns (tropical, temperate, arid, etc.) significantly influence local temperatures.
Feel free to fill out the answers based on your specific location and observations!