Amplitude in geography
Do you still know the term amplitude from geography lessons? Read here what an amplitude is and how it is used in geography.
The term amplitude in general
In the physics the term amplitude describes the maximum deflection of a sinusoidal wave compared to the rest position. Accordingly, the amplitude means the difference between the maximum of the wave and no deflection (value: 0). In Geography one proceeds similarly.
Amplitudes in geography - the temperature amplitude
The term "amplitude" is also found in geography. It often occurs in climate diagrams in which the so-called "temperature amplitude" has to be determined. The temperature amplitude does not mean the difference between the maximum temperature and 0 degrees Celsius, but the difference between the maximum and the minimum temperature. If you want to calculate the amplitude, proceed as follows:
- Determine the amplitude in the climate diagram. If you want to determine the temperature amplitude in a climate diagram, you can read the highest and lowest temperature values on the red temperature line. For example, the highest value in July is 30 degrees, the lowest value in December -10 degrees. The difference, or the amplitude, is 40 degrees. (30 degrees to zero and another 10 degrees below zero).
- Form the amplitude from a temperature table: If you have a table with temperatures for the different months in front of you, you only have to select the highest and the lowest value and the difference between the two values as just described form.
- The largest temperature amplitude is in the Russian Jakuskt. Temperatures of up to 45 degrees Celsius are reached here in summer, while temperatures of up to - 75 (!) Degrees Celsius in winter. The temperature amplitude there is therefore 120 degrees. The temperature amplitude was in Germany (Berlin) in 2011 a little more than 20 degrees.
When considering different climate zones, not only the average ...
Conclusion: A temperature amplitude in geography describes the difference between maximum and minimum temperature and can be read and determined very easily on the climate diagram.
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