ch 4 Flashcards
troposphere
the lowest layer of the Earth’s atmosphere
reflection
receivable solar radiation is sent back to outer space or diffused in the troposphere
reradiation
the process of indirect radiation by the sun’s energy
pressure gradient force
causes air to blow from an area of high pressure (heavier) toward an area of low pressure (lighter) when pressure differences exist between areas
weather
a moments view of the lower atmosphere
climate
description of typical weather conditions in an area or at a palace over a period of time
the amount of incoming solar radiation is determined by what two factors
the angle at which the sun’s rays strike the Earth and The number of daylight hours
the relationship of air temperature to reradiation
air is heated by the process of reradiation from the Earth and not directly by energy from the sun passing through it
differences between how land and water heat/cool
hot and cold temperature extremes recorded on Earth occur on land and not the sea because land heats and cools more rapidly than water
takes less energy to change the land temperature
know the names of the three types of precipitation
conventional, orographic, cyclonic
conventional precipitation
results from rising heated, moisture-laden air
orographic precipitation
saturated, warm air from over water blows onshore, rising as the land rises
Cyclonic Precipitation
results from lifting of air masses converging into a low pressure area in the atmosphere; forces warm and cold air to meet
