Atmosphere

Question 1

List the vertical divisions of the earths atmosphere

Answer 1

Troposphere 
Stratosphere
Mesosphere
Thermosphere
Exosphere

Question 2

Explain atmospheric pressure

Answer 2

Is the force her unit area exerted against a surface by the weight of fair above that surface in the earths atmosphere

Atmospheric pressure at sea level: 1013mb

Question 3

Mean sea level MSL Is referred to as;

Answer 3

Quasi Non-hydro static

Question 4

Semi Diurnal variation

Answer 4

Is the regular variation in atmospheric pressure within a period of about 12 hours

Question 5

Pressure gradient

Answer 5

Horizontal distance from one pressure area to the next

Measured from high to low, perpendicular to the isobars

The greater the pressure distance over a given horizontal distance, the greater the force and hence the stronger the wind

Not the only force working on a parcel of air

Question 6

Coriolis affect on winds

Answer 6

Surface winds associated with high-pressure flow outward at an angle to the isobars in an anticlockwise manner.

Low pressure – flow inward – clockwise

Question 7

Environmental lapse rate

Answer 7

Is where air temperature decreases with altitude

Question 8

Inversion

Answer 8

There are times in circumstances where the temperature may increase with altitude. When the Temperature increases with altitude an inversion exists.

Question 9

Saturation

Answer 9

A term used to describe the state in which a parcel of air for a given temperature and pressure, can no longer absorb water vapour, without condensation occurring.

Question 10

Cloud groups

Answer 10

There are two main groups of clouds;

Cumuliform Clouds

Stratiform Clouds

Question 11

Cumuliform Clouds

Answer 11

Cumulus type formations, where clouds are usually separated from each other by clear spaces

Question 12

Stratiform clouds

Answer 12

Form sheets or layers covering large areas of the sky

Question 13

Cloud height

Answer 13

The vertical distance between the point of observation and base of the cloud

High :20,000
Medium: (alto) 8,500 to 20,000
Low : ground to 8500

Question 14

Cloud characteristics

Answer 14

Nimbus: Added to the name of the cloud which produces precipitation

Cirrus: Indicated a cloud of hair like appearance

Question 15

Cloud types

Answer 15

Cumulus (cu)
Alto cumulus (Ac)
Cumulonimbus (cb)

Cirrus (ci)
Cirrocumulus (cc)

Stratus (st)
Altostratus (As)
Nimbostratus (Ns)

Cirrostratus (Cs)
Stratocumulus (Sc)

Question 16

Description of cumulus clouds

Answer 16

Detached clouds, dense with sharp outlines, grow vertically, Resembling rising Mounds, domes or towers. Upper part looks like a cauliflower

Sunlit sections bright white,base is horizontal and relatively dark

Question 17

Cumulonimbus description

Answer 17

Heavy dense cloud, High vertical form of mountain or huge towers, Upper portion is flattened in the shape of an anvil and the base of the cloud is very dark

Question 18

Which cloud is the most significant to aircrew

Answer 18

Cumulonimbus