3
$\begingroup$

I have air temperature data from reanalysis that I want to analyze. The reanalysis data is in Kelvin, so I'm wondering why they use Kelvin. Is there any advantage or difference in analyzing temperature data as Kelvin? or is it the same as Celsius? Which one would be better if the temperature range goes from -35 to 20?

thank you!

| improve this question | |
$\endgroup$
  • 2
    $\begingroup$ Are you asking specifically about measuring temperatures here on Earth, or just temperatures in general? If the latter, then this is probably a better fit over on the Physics SE community, though I expect it's already been asked there. $\endgroup$ – BillDOe Jun 7 '17 at 18:23
  • 7
    $\begingroup$ You don't have to worry about minus signs :-) $\endgroup$ – jamesqf Jun 7 '17 at 19:40
  • 6
    $\begingroup$ Kelvin makes thermodynamic calculations much simpler- instead of adding 273.15 and complicating equations that are already relatively complicated, a simple change of units simplifies the problem. $\endgroup$ – BarocliniCplusplus Jun 7 '17 at 20:14
  • 3
    $\begingroup$ It's the scientific standard to use SI units, and they're doing so, allowing people to be comfortable in what to expect. Of course models generally can't manage to provide flux data that fits intuition, so it only goes so far. (Kelvin is the SI standard because it's based on more something fundamental, absolute zero, the lack of any energy). So no particular advantage except trying to maintain standardization (and perhaps the small benefit of no negatives). $\endgroup$ – JeopardyTempest Jun 8 '17 at 1:03
  • 3
    $\begingroup$ As others note, it's because Kelvin is an absolute unit, not a graded unit: 500K is literally twice as warm as 250K, but 500C isn't twice as warm as 250C (and the same is true for 250F and even the Rankin scale). You can divide Kelvins in the Ideal Gas Law (for example), but not graded temperature units. $\endgroup$ – Barry Carter Jun 12 '17 at 2:39

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.