Isothermal maps clearly show centers of high or low temperatures. They also illustrate the directions along which temperature changes, which are known as temperature gradients. In the winter, isotherms dip equatorward while in the summer, they arch poleward (Figure 3.22).

What patterns do the isotherms show?

Isotherms, lines connecting points of equal air temperature are used to map the geographic pattern of temperature across the earth's surface. The spacing of isotherms depict the temperature gradient across a portion of the Earth's surface.

Do isotherms connect points of equal temperature?

A line connecting points of equal temperature is called an isotherm. That means, at every point along a given isotherm, the values of temperature are the same. Isotherms are represented by dashed orange contours in the Weather Visualizer.