What is the average temperature of the Earth?

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    Earth Temperature
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the average temperature of the Earth, specifically seeking a rough estimate that encompasses the entire planet rather than just the surface or core. Participants explore the complexities involved in calculating this value and share their thoughts on the topic.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests the average temperature of the Earth, clarifying that they are not looking for surface or core temperatures.
  • Another participant notes that calculating the average temperature would be complex, requiring consideration of various factors such as time of year and positions.
  • A rough estimate of 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit) is suggested, but this is identified as the average surface temperature.
  • There is a distinction made between the surface average and a volumetric average of the entire planet, which is what the original poster is seeking.
  • A participant shares that their interest in the average temperature stems from a hypothetical problem involving an object that must travel through the Earth, needing an idealized temperature value for calculations.
  • Another participant expresses willingness to make a rough estimate if no one has done so already.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the average temperature of the Earth, as there are competing views regarding what constitutes the average temperature and the complexity of obtaining it.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the challenges in defining and calculating an average temperature for the entire Earth, including the need for specific assumptions and the potential for varying estimates based on different criteria.

Simon43254
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Hey guys,

I'm looking for the average temperature of the earth. I don't appear to be able to find one. If anyone knows the average value, or has seen it somewhere, I'd appreciate it if you could point me in the right direction, since I don't really want to calculate it myself. Oh, and I don't mean the average temperature of the surface or the core, but the whole entire planet in case anyone thought otherwise.

Thanks

Simon
 
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Simon Malzard said:
Hey guys,

I'm looking for the average temperature of the earth. I don't appear to be able to find one. If anyone knows the average value, or has seen it somewhere, I'd appreciate it if you could point me in the right direction, since I don't really want to calculate it myself. Oh, and I don't mean the average temperature of the surface or the core, but the whole entire planet in case anyone thought otherwise.

Thanks

Simon

Calculating the average temperature of the Earth would be very complex. You have to factor in the time of year, positions, and much more.
 
I don't need an exact value, just sort of, a rough estimate.
 
That's the average temperature of the Earth's surface. Simon is looking for the volumetric (or similar) average of the entire planet.
 
Simon Malzard said:
I don't really want to calculate it myself.

Why do you want to know, since you don't want to do it yourself?
 
Xnn said:
Why do you want to know, since you don't want to do it yourself?

Purely because I have been set a hypothetical problem where an object that is to be "cooked" must travel through the entire earth. And since I've been asked to model the rareness (how well its been cooked) of the object, I need a rough idea of the average temperature of the Earth from core to external (outer extremity) mantel. The only thing I'm missing is an idealised value so I can complete the calculation since I have derived the rest.

Edit: That and I am curious/ was interested to see if anyone's done this before. If not I might have a go at making a rough estimate myself if no one else has a rough idea or has done a rough estimate before hand.
 
Last edited:
Simon Malzard said:
Purely because I have been set a hypothetical problem where an object that is to be "cooked" must travel through the entire earth. And since I've been asked to model the rareness (how well its been cooked) of the object, I need a rough idea of the average temperature of the Earth from core to external (outer extremity) mantel. The only thing I'm missing is an idealised value so I can complete the calculation since I have derived the rest.

Edit: That and I am curious/ was interested to see if anyone's done this before. If not I might have a go at making a rough estimate myself if no one else has a rough idea or has done a rough estimate before hand.
Scroll down to the graphic "Layers from crust to core".

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/astronomy/planets/earth/Inside.shtml
 
Thanks, that's perfect Evo. I can work the rest out from that.

Simon
 
  • #10
Glad that helped.
 

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