chapter 5 Flashcards
Atmospheric Moisture & Stability
What is latent heat?
“hidden heat”; it is used to break the bonds of H2O molecules so that they can transition between states.
Which H2O transformation processes absorb heat energy and store latent heat?
Melting, Evaporation, Sublimation
Which H2O transformation processes release latent heat?
Freezing, Condensation, Deposition
What is vapor pressure?
o Does it vary with temperature?
The portion of Atmospheric pressure attributable to water vapor.
varys with temperature
What is relative humidity?
o Does it vary with temperature?
The ratio of actual moisture in the air to the potential amount the air could hold.
varys with temperature
What is the dew point?
o Does it vary with temperature?
The temperature at which saturation would occur if the air was cooled
not varied by temperature
When does saturation occur in the atmosphere?
When the air contains as much moisture as is possible at a given temperature
What is meant by adiabatic process?
a parcel of air experiences a change in temperature based on its vertical movement and its moisture content.
If an air parcel has absolute stability, will it sink or rise? Will there be precipitation or not?
The air parcel always remains colder than its surroundings and will sink. no precipitation.
If an air parcel has absolute instability, will it sink or rise? Will there be precipitation or not?
The air parcel always remains warmer than its surroundings and it will rise.
will cause precipitation.
Convection
Heating of the air. Air becomes less dense and rises.
Frontal
An air mass boundary forces air to rise.
Convergence
Two air streams collide and air rises.
Orographic
Lifting of air rises as it passes over hills or mountains.
