Title: Average Minimum and Maximum Temperature, 1971-2000 and 1981-2010

Originator: USDA - NRCS

Abstract:

The data are average minimum and average maximum temperature in degrees farenheit for the climatological period 1971-2000 and 1981-2010. The polygon maps were created from 30 arc-seconds Parameter-elevation Regressions on Independent Slopes Model (PRISM) derived grids.

PRISM derived raster data is the underlying data set from which the polygons and vectors were created. PRISM is an analytical model that uses point data and a digital elevation model (DEM) to generate gridded estimates of annual, monthly and event-based climatic parameters.

There are many methods of interpolating parameters such as precipitation and temperature from monitoring stations to grid points. Some provide estimates of acceptable accuracy in flat terrain, but few have been able to adequately explain the extreme, complex variations in precipitation and temperature that occur in mountainous regions. Significant progress in this area has been achieved through the development of PRISM. PRISM is an analytical model that uses point data and a digital elevation model (DEM) to generate gridded estimates of monthly and annual precipitation and temperature (as well as other climatic parameters). PRISM is well suited to regions with mountainous terrain, because it incorporates a conceptual framework that addresses the spatial scale and pattern of orographic processes.

For further information, the online PRISM homepage can be found at http://www.prism.oregonstate.edu

Format: vector areas – ESRI Shape File

Spatial Reference Information: Decimal Degrees, North American Datum 1983

Sample Average Minimum Temperature map    Sample Average Maximum Temperature map