The coolest temperature of the day occurs at sunrise why?
Think about it - the sun has not yet had an opportunity to warm the air, etc.
Sra
The coolness of the temperature at sunrise is due to a phenomenon called diurnal temperature variation. Diurnal temperature variation refers to the difference between the highest and lowest temperatures experienced in a 24-hour period. Several factors contribute to the drop in temperature at night and early morning, making the coolest temperature occur at sunrise:
1. Radiative cooling: During the night, the Earth's surface and the lower atmosphere lose heat to space through radiative cooling. As the surface cools down, it releases heat energy, resulting in a decrease in temperature.
2. Clear skies and low humidity: Clear skies allow infrared radiation to escape more easily, enhancing the cooling process. Additionally, low humidity prevents the air from holding as much heat, facilitating faster cooling.
3. Lack of sunlight: At night, there is no direct sunlight, which means there is no solar radiation to warm the Earth's surface and the surrounding air. Without this heat source, the temperature drops.
As the sun begins to rise and sunlight starts to reach the Earth's surface, it gradually warms the ground and the surrounding air, leading to an increase in temperature throughout the day. Therefore, the coolest temperature of the day often occurs shortly before or around sunrise.