Definition of Air Temperature?

Question

im not sure if this is self explanatory or not

Answer 1

Air Temperature

Introduction

Air temperature is a measure of the heat content of the air. One can think of it as a measure of the average speed or kinetic energy level of molecules. The temperature of our atmosphere is controlled by a complex set of interactions between the biosphere, lithosphere and atmosphere. Energy is constantly being exchanged between the surface and the air above a place, as well as circulating around the globe. In this lecture we'll first look at look at what controls the air temperature at a particular place by examining radiation and energy exchanges between the earth and air above. Then we'll see how the global circulation of air and water affect air temperature.

Controls over air temperature at a place

Radiation transfers

Sensible heat transfer

Location with respect to water bodies (Continentality)

Air mass movement

Air Temperature and sensible heat

Sensible Heat - energy used to heat air above surface

Sensible heat flux depends on:

surface temperature/vertical temperature gradient.

air turbulence

Answer 2

On the earth,for meteorological purposes,we need knowledge of the temperature of the surface of the earth(land or sea) and that of the atmosphere too.

As the atmosphere is composed of air,for the purpose of measuring temperature of the atmospheric air,we have to take the free air into considearation and the temperature measured  thus is known as the air temperature.