mean temperature

The mean temperature refers to the average temperature over a specific area or period. Global variations in average surface-air temperatures are influenced by latitude, continentality, ocean currents, and prevailing winds. Latitude plays a significant role due to the varying amount of solar radiation received, with tropical oceans showing minimal temperature variation compared to higher latitudes.1

Continentality describes the difference between continental and marine climates, with land experiencing more extreme temperature fluctuations than water due to lower heat capacities and evaporation rates. Ocean temperatures change slowly because of water's high heat capacity and the energy used for evaporation.1

Modern climate research analyzes instrumental records from around 1850 to the present, alongside proxy data from sources like ice cores and tree rings, to understand past climate changes. Global surface temperatures have shown a warming trend since the late 19th century, with significant increases observed in recent decades. This warming is linked to the emission of greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels.2345