Elements of Weather (4/2) Flashcards
What is weather
the condition of the Earth’s atmosphere at a certain time and place
What is temperature and how is it measured
how hot or cold something is, uses a thermometer
What is humidity and how it is measured
the amount of water vapor in the air. Measured using a psychrometer.
What is relative humidity
amount of water vapor in the air compared to the amount of water vapor needed to reach saturation
What is dew point
the temperature at which more condensation than evaporation occurs
What is precipitation
a form of water that falls to the Earth’s surface from the clouds (hail, snow, rain, sleet
Cirrus clouds
appears feathery or wispy
Cumulus clouds
heap or pile. can produce thunderstorms
Stratus clouds
spread out
What is air pressure and how is it measured
the force of air molecules pushing on an area. measured by a barometer
What is wind and how is it measured
air that moves horizontally or parallel to the ground, Measured using an anemometer. Moves from higher pressure to areas of lower pressure
What is visibility and how is it measured
a measure of the transparency of the atmosphere, Measured by using 3 or 4 known landmarks at different distances. Can be affected by air pollution and fog
Ways to collect weather
ground station, airplane, satellite, weather buoy, ship
