Temperature Records and Data Integrity in Death Valley: An Analysis of Extreme Weather Documentation and Climate Trends
Overview
This assignment examines temperature records in Death Valley, California, focusing on recent monthly and daily heat records from 2017-2021 and evaluating the reliability of the park's historical temperature data, particularly the disputed 1913 record of 134°F. The paper investigates methodological concerns with meteorological data collection and considers implications for trusting historical climate data.
What this coursework covers
- Analysis of July 2017-2021 monthly mean temperatures and hottest daily maximum temperatures in Death Valley
- Examination of Death Valley's world record 134°F temperature from July 1913 and its data reliability
- Critical evaluation of meteorological data recording problems at Greenland Ranch station per William T. Reid's analysis
Preview
Introduction
Death Valley, California is an amazing place. You can study so many different facets of geography here, including extreme weather. In this assignment, you will research and evaluate the various temperature records that have been broken in the park since 1913.
Directions
Part 1
- July 2017 was recorded as the hottest month ever for Death Valley, California, with a monthly mean temperature of 107.4°F. First, explain how that monthly mean temperature was derived and give the hottest daily maximum temperature for July 2017. You can read more about the record at: http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-death-valley-heat-record-20170803-story.html (Links to an external site.)
- Oh shoot, 2018 beat 2017. Tell me the new record. You can read all about that new record here: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capital-weather-gang/wp/2018/07/31/death-valley-to-post-hottest-month-ever-recorded-on-earth-for-the-second-july-in-a-row/ (Links to an external site.)
- While 2020 didn’t beat 2018, we did see the hottest temperature this last July. What was it? https://www.cbsnews.com/news/death-valley-hottest-temperature-record-heat-wave/ (Links to an external site.)
- 2021 was pretty much the worst year on record when it comes to high temperatures and shows just how awful climate change is. How did July 2021 in Death Valley compare to previous years?
Part 2
- While July 2020 was hot, Death Valley is the world record holder for the hottest temperature ever recorded, an amazing 134 °F in July of 1913. But should we trust this record? Read an analysis of how meteorological data were recorded in Death Valley, specifically at the Greenland Ranch station, here: https://www.wunderground.com/blog/weatherhistorian/an-investigation-of-death-valleys-134f-world-temperature-record.html (Links to an external site.)
- In your own words, explain what meteorologist William T.