Final Exam Definitions Flashcards
Abiotic Factors
physical (non-living) factors like light radiation, temperature, or water
Biotic Factors
actions of other organisms (living) like the forces that shape biological evolution, or like, bears
Winter solstice
December 22nd; when the sun strikes the tropic of Capricorn @ 90 degrees
Summer Solstice
June 22nd; when the sun strikes the tropic of Cancer at 90 degrees
Autumnal Equinox (fall)
September 23rd; when the sun strikes the equator at 90 degrees
Vernal Equinox (spring)
March 21st; when the sun strikes the equator at 90 degrees
Direct Radiation
solar radiation traveling directly from the sun to the earth in a straight line
Diffuse Radiation
sunlight that has been scattered by molecules and particles in the atmosphere
Reflected Radiation
sunlight that has been reflected off of non-atmospheric things such as the ground.
Incident Solar Radiation (aka insolation {INcident SOLAr radiaTION})
s the amount of solar radiation energy received on a given surface during a given time
Conduction
When heat moves from one object to another that is up against it
Convection
transfer of heat by the actual movement of warmed matter.
Radiation
Transfer of heat from a warmer surface to a cooler surface which are facing each other.
Thermal Mass
the ability of a material to absorb and store heat energy like bricks and concrete
Single Sided Ventilation
limited to zones close to the openings.
Cross Ventilation
two or more openings on opposite walls. Covers a larger zone than the single-sided openings
Stack Ventilation
buoyancy-driven ventilation by having a chimney stack structure to add to air flow thorughout the house
Passive Heating (passive conditioning)
natural heating of a building through things like windows and glazing, insulation, drought sealing, and air locks
Passive Cooling (passive conditioning)
natural heating of a building through things like opening windows, wind catchers, night purge ventilation, and evaporative cooling
Water Cycle
the continuous movement of water between earth and it’s atmosphere
Precipitation / Condensation (apart of the phase changes in the water cycle)
water falling from the sky in various forms like rain, snow, or dew
Collection (apart of the phase changes in the water cycle)
surface run off, ground water infiltration, lakes, springs or rivers
Evaporation/ Transpiration (apart of the phase changes in the water cycle)
water returns to the sky from lakes, rivers, snow caps etc.
Climate
long–term atmospheric conditions observed at a site
Weather
individual, short-term (hourly or daily) observations.
Dry Bulb Temperature
air temp we measure by ordinary thermometer
Absolute Humidity
he measure of the actual water vapor in the air.
Relative Humidity
the ratio of the absolute humidity to the theoretical maximum for a given temperature and pressure. It is expressed as a %.
Predicted Mean Vote (PMV)
Created by prof. Fanger in 1980; stands among the most recognized thermal comfort models. It was developed using principles of heat balance and experimental data collected in a controlled climate chamber
PMV formula
PMV =f(M, Rc, Ta, Tmrt, V, RH)
where: M = metabolic rate due to activity (e.g. sitting = 1.0 met).
Rc. = resistance of clothing (e.g., winter gear = 3.0 clo)
Ta= air temperature
Tmrt= mean radiant temperature
V = air velocity
RH = relative humidity
Wet Bulb Temperature
the dry blub temperature with 100% humidity
Enthalpy
the total heat energy of both the dry air and water vapor per kg of dry air
Active Conditioning
Heating with a machine, so HVAC
Microclimate
a local set of atmospheric conditions that differ from those in the surrounding areas.
Non-Renewable Energy Sources
Energy from organic products found inside the earth that have taken millions of years to form make fossil fuels, like oil, natural gas, and coal; and nuclear energy.
Urban Heat Island Effect
When an urban area is much warmer than the surrounding less populated areas due to heavy population, and all the things that population uses, like cars, HVAC, ovens etc.
Psychometric Chart
a chart that looks at all of the different needs of a certain climate in order to obtain 100% comfort indoors
Renewable Energy Sources
Energy that can replenish it’self over time, like wind, water and sun
Types of Hydro
- Impoundment ( a dam) 2. Diversion (a canal) 3. Pumped Storage (turbine or mill)
Effects of Climate Change on Weather
changing climate leads to changes in the frequency, intensity, spacial extent, duration and timing
Anthropocene
study of geologic time periods dating from the commencement of significant human impact on the Earth’s geology, hydrology, biosphere and ecosystems, including, but not limited to, anthropogenic climate change.
ASHRAE deffinition of comfort
“that condition of mind that expresses satisfaction with the thermal environment”
Environmental Functions of Trees
Cleansing the air, lowering chance of flood, reducing the UHI effect
