1.5: Accessible Descriptions
- Page ID
- 51143
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Figure 0.2.3: Average Global Precipitation Map
Global map titled “Mean Annual Total Precipitation (1991–2020)” showing the average yearly precipitation across the Earth’s surface for the period 1991–2020. Continents and oceans are displayed, with precipitation amounts represented on a continuous scale ranging from 0 to over 5000 millimeters per year. The highest precipitation occurs in equatorial and tropical regions, including the Amazon Basin, central Africa, South and Southeast Asia, and parts of island regions and coastal mountain areas. Moderate precipitation appears across many temperate regions such as the east coast of North America, Central America, southern Africa, Europe, and Central Asia and large areas of the oceans. Lower precipitation occurs in major desert regions in the US Southwest, Mexico, sub-Saharan Africa, Australia, and Central Asia, interior continental areas, and polar regions. A horizontal legend below the map shows the precipitation scale with labeled values from 0 to 5000 millimeters per year. Additional text below the legend cites the data source as ERA5 monthly-averaged data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service, includes a DOI reference and an access date, and credits the figure creator.
Figure 0.2.4: Global Precipitation Anomalies Map
World map titled “Global precipitation patterns (March 2022)” showing how precipitation during March 2022 differed from the long-term average for 1979–2020. The map displays continents and oceans with several country labels, including the United States, Brazil, Spain, India, China, Australia, and Hawaii. Precipitation differences are shown using a percentage scale ranging from −100 to 200. Areas with above-average precipitation appear across parts of Asia, the western Pacific region, sections of Africa, and parts of the southern oceans. Areas with below-average precipitation are found across portions of North and South America, the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and some regions of Africa and Eurasia. A legend below the map shows the percentage scale for the difference from the average precipitation. Text beneath the map notes that the comparison is between March 2022 and the 1979–2020 average, and includes a source attribution to NOAA Climate.gov with data from the Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP).
Figure 0.3.1: Longitude and Latitude lines
Two globe diagrams placed side by side, each overlaid with a latitude–longitude grid.
One diagram shows landmasses including North and South America, with a dashed line encircling the globe's midpoint to indicate the equator, which divides the planet into two hemispheres. The other diagram shows landmasses including Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia, with a dashed line connecting opposite points on the globe to indicate the prime meridian, which divides the planet into two hemispheres.
Figure 0.3.2: World Map with lines of longitude and latitude
World map overlaid with evenly spaced latitude and longitude lines, with degree values marked along the borders. Landmasses include the Americas (Approximately 45°N, 105°W), Europe (Approximately 45°N, 15°E), Africa (Approximately 0°, 30°E), Asia (Approximately 45°N, 90°E), and Australia (Approximately 20°S, 135°E).
A distance scale labeled for measurements at the equator is shown near the bottom, along with a north reference indicator.
Figure 0.3.3: World Map with lines of longitude and latitude, and 45°N and 45°E marked
World map from Figure 0.3.2, but with a marked location near the eastern Mediterranean where two thick lines intersect. One line traces a parallel (line of latitude) across the map, and the other traces a meridian (line of longitude) from pole to pole, indicating the coordinates of that point. The intersection aligns approximately with 45 degrees north latitude and 45 degrees east longitude, demonstrating how a location is identified using geographic coordinates. Multiple labeled points A through L mark locations across regions that will be used to answer questions related to visual map reading lower down on page 0.3.
Figure 0.3.4: World Map with lines of longitude and latitude, and 35°S and 120°W marked
World map with a latitude–longitude grid and degree labels around the edges. Landmasses include the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia, with multiple labeled points A through L marking locations across regions.
A highlighted location near the eastern Mediterranean is marked where two thick lines intersect. One line traces a parallel (line of latitude) across the map, and the other traces a meridian (line of longitude) from pole to pole, indicating the coordinates of that point. The intersection aligns approximately with 35 degrees south latitude and 120 degrees west longitude, demonstrating how a location is identified using geographic coordinates. A scale bar for distance at the equator and a north reference indicator are shown below the map.
Figure 0.3.5 Sea Surface Temperatures and Anomalies for December 2015
This figure shows sea surface temperature (SST) and wind data across the equatorial Pacific Ocean during December 2015, based on measurements from the TAO/TRITON buoy array. The data is presented in two horizontal panels:
Top Panel – “Means” (Sea Surface Temperature and Wind):
- This panel shows average SSTs (in °C) and surface winds between 10°N and 10°S latitude, from 140°E to 100°W longitude.
- The SSTs are displayed using a color gradient from:
- 30°C in the western and central Pacific,
- 26–28°C in the east,
- 18–22°C near South America.
- Isotherms (contour lines) mark temperatures at 1°C intervals (e.g., 30°C, 29°C, 28°C).
- Wind vectors (arrows) show the direction and magnitude of surface winds:
- Arrows mostly point from west to east across the central and eastern Pacific,
- Indicating weakened or reversed trade winds, which are typical of El Niño events.
Bottom Panel – “Anomalies” (SST and Wind):
- This panel shows deviations from the average (climatological) conditions.
- Color shading indicates SST anomalies (in °C), with:
- Positive anomalies (+2 to +3.5°C) in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific.
- The strongest warming occurs between 160°W and 100°W, peaking at about +3.5°C.
- Areas with cooler-than-normal SSTs (very limited in this case).
- Contour lines trace SST anomaly values (e.g., 1.5, 2.0, 3.0).
- Wind anomaly vectors point eastward, indicating weakened or reversed easterly winds, consistent with El Niño.
Figure 0.4.1: Global Average Temperature Anomalies from 1880-2025
Line graph showing global temperature change over a long time period, with years progressing along one axis and temperature difference from a baseline along the other.
Individual yearly values are marked and connected to show short-term variation, while a smoothed line highlights the long-term trend. A shaded region around the yearly values represents measurement uncertainty. The data show repeated short-term ups and downs, but an overall upward trend across the full period. The increase becomes steeper in the later portion of the record, with the most recent years reaching the highest values shown. A legend explains the yearly data, the smoothed trend, and the uncertainty range, and the dataset is identified as NASA GISS GISTEMP.
The data plotted on Figure 0.4.1 is provided in Table 0.5.1
| Year | No Smoothing (°C) | Lowess (5) (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| 1880 | -0.18 | -0.10 |
| 1881 | -0.09 | -0.14 |
| 1882 | -0.11 | -0.17 |
| 1883 | -0.18 | -0.21 |
| 1884 | -0.28 | -0.24 |
| 1885 | -0.34 | -0.27 |
| 1886 | -0.32 | -0.28 |
| 1887 | -0.36 | -0.28 |
| 1888 | -0.18 | -0.27 |
| 1889 | -0.11 | -0.26 |
| 1890 | -0.36 | -0.26 |
| 1891 | -0.23 | -0.26 |
| 1892 | -0.27 | -0.27 |
| 1893 | -0.31 | -0.26 |
| 1894 | -0.30 | -0.24 |
| 1895 | -0.23 | -0.22 |
| 1896 | -0.12 | -0.21 |
| 1897 | -0.11 | -0.19 |
| 1898 | -0.28 | -0.17 |
| 1899 | -0.18 | -0.18 |
| 1900 | -0.09 | -0.20 |
| 1901 | -0.15 | -0.23 |
| 1902 | -0.28 | -0.26 |
| 1903 | -0.37 | -0.28 |
| 1904 | -0.48 | -0.31 |
| 1905 | -0.27 | -0.34 |
| 1906 | -0.23 | -0.36 |
| 1907 | -0.39 | -0.38 |
| 1908 | -0.43 | -0.40 |
| 1909 | -0.49 | -0.41 |
| 1910 | -0.44 | -0.42 |
| 1911 | -0.45 | -0.40 |
| 1912 | -0.37 | -0.36 |
| 1913 | -0.35 | -0.33 |
| 1914 | -0.16 | -0.32 |
| 1915 | -0.15 | -0.31 |
| 1916 | -0.36 | -0.30 |
| 1917 | -0.46 | -0.30 |
| 1918 | -0.30 | -0.30 |
| 1919 | -0.28 | -0.30 |
| 1920 | -0.28 | -0.28 |
| 1921 | -0.19 | -0.27 |
| 1922 | -0.29 | -0.26 |
| 1923 | -0.27 | -0.24 |
| 1924 | -0.27 | -0.23 |
| 1925 | -0.22 | -0.22 |
| 1926 | -0.11 | -0.22 |
| 1927 | -0.22 | -0.21 |
| 1928 | -0.20 | -0.20 |
| 1929 | -0.36 | -0.19 |
| 1930 | -0.16 | -0.19 |
| 1931 | -0.10 | -0.19 |
| 1932 | -0.16 | -0.18 |
| 1933 | -0.29 | -0.17 |
| 1934 | -0.13 | -0.16 |
| 1935 | -0.20 | -0.14 |
| 1936 | -0.15 | -0.11 |
| 1937 | -0.03 | -0.06 |
| 1938 | 0.00 | -0.02 |
| 1939 | -0.02 | 0.03 |
| 1940 | 0.12 | 0.06 |
| 1941 | 0.18 | 0.09 |
| 1942 | 0.06 | 0.10 |
| 1943 | 0.09 | 0.10 |
| 1944 | 0.20 | 0.07 |
| 1945 | 0.09 | 0.04 |
| 1946 | -0.07 | 0.00 |
| 1947 | -0.03 | -0.04 |
| 1948 | -0.11 | -0.07 |
| 1949 | -0.11 | -0.08 |
| 1950 | -0.17 | -0.08 |
| 1951 | -0.07 | -0.07 |
| 1952 | 0.01 | -0.07 |
| 1953 | 0.08 | -0.07 |
| 1954 | -0.13 | -0.07 |
| 1955 | -0.14 | -0.06 |
| 1956 | -0.19 | -0.05 |
| 1957 | 0.05 | -0.04 |
| 1958 | 0.06 | -0.01 |
| 1959 | 0.03 | 0.02 |
| 1960 | -0.02 | 0.03 |
| 1961 | 0.06 | 0.01 |
| 1962 | 0.03 | -0.01 |
| 1963 | 0.05 | -0.03 |
| 1964 | -0.20 | -0.04 |
| 1965 | -0.11 | -0.05 |
| 1966 | -0.06 | -0.06 |
| 1967 | -0.02 | -0.05 |
| 1968 | -0.08 | -0.03 |
| 1969 | 0.05 | -0.02 |
| 1970 | 0.03 | -0.00 |
| 1971 | -0.08 | 0.00 |
| 1972 | 0.01 | 0.00 |
| 1973 | 0.16 | -0.00 |
| 1974 | -0.07 | 0.01 |
| 1975 | -0.01 | 0.02 |
| 1976 | -0.10 | 0.04 |
| 1977 | 0.18 | 0.07 |
| 1978 | 0.07 | 0.12 |
| 1979 | 0.16 | 0.16 |
| 1980 | 0.25 | 0.19 |
| 1981 | 0.32 | 0.21 |
| 1982 | 0.14 | 0.21 |
| 1983 | 0.31 | 0.21 |
| 1984 | 0.15 | 0.21 |
| 1985 | 0.12 | 0.22 |
| 1986 | 0.18 | 0.24 |
| 1987 | 0.32 | 0.27 |
| 1988 | 0.39 | 0.31 |
| 1989 | 0.27 | 0.33 |
| 1990 | 0.45 | 0.33 |
| 1991 | 0.41 | 0.33 |
| 1992 | 0.22 | 0.33 |
| 1993 | 0.23 | 0.33 |
| 1994 | 0.31 | 0.34 |
| 1995 | 0.44 | 0.36 |
| 1996 | 0.33 | 0.40 |
| 1997 | 0.46 | 0.42 |
| 1998 | 0.61 | 0.44 |
| 1999 | 0.38 | 0.47 |
| 2000 | 0.39 | 0.50 |
| 2001 | 0.53 | 0.52 |
| 2002 | 0.63 | 0.54 |
| 2003 | 0.61 | 0.58 |
| 2004 | 0.53 | 0.61 |
| 2005 | 0.68 | 0.62 |
| 2006 | 0.64 | 0.62 |
| 2007 | 0.66 | 0.63 |
| 2008 | 0.54 | 0.64 |
| 2009 | 0.66 | 0.64 |
| 2010 | 0.72 | 0.65 |
| 2011 | 0.61 | 0.67 |
| 2012 | 0.65 | 0.70 |
| 2013 | 0.68 | 0.74 |
| 2014 | 0.75 | 0.79 |
| 2015 | 0.90 | 0.83 |
| 2016 | 1.01 | 0.87 |
| 2017 | 0.91 | 0.91 |
| 2018 | 0.85 | 0.93 |
| 2019 | 0.98 | 0.94 |
| 2020 | 1.01 | 0.96 |
| 2021 | 0.85 | 1.01 |
| 2022 | 0.89 | 1.06 |
| 2023 | 1.17 | 1.12 |
| 2024 | 1.28 | 1.17 |
| 2025 | 1.19 | 1.23 |
Figure 0.4.2: 2025 Temperature Anomalies
World map showing differences in land and ocean temperatures for 2025 compared to the 1991–2020 average. The map is divided into small grid cells across all continents and oceans, with each cell representing how much warmer or cooler that area is relative to the baseline. Most regions show higher-than-average temperatures, indicating widespread warming.
The largest increases occur across northern parts of North America, Europe, and Asia, as well as the Arctic. Smaller areas in the Central United States, and parts of the oceans, such as the North Atlantic and the Equatorial Pacific, and some regions in the Southern Hemisphere (such as central south America, South Africa, South India, Australia, and the Antarctic show temperatures closer to or slightly below the baseline. A scale bar indicates temperature difference values in degrees Celsius, ranging from much cooler than average to much warmer than average. The data source is NOAA, and the map uses a global projection.