L1- Understanding the physical properties of the Earth's atmosphere Flashcards
What were the earliest methods for understanding the atmosphere?
Observation, experience, sayings, and folklore.
What did Torricelli invent in 1643, and why was it significant?
The barometer, which linked changes in air pressure with changes in weather.
Who developed the mercury thermometer and when?
Fahrenheit, in 1724, providing a reliable temperature scale.
What instrument did Johan Lambert invent in 1755?
The hygrometer, allowing humidity to be measured
How did Lavoisier contribute to weather prediction in 1765?
By making daily measurements of pressure, humidity, and windspeed.
What invention in 1844 revolutionized weather data transmission?
The electric telegraph and Morse code.
When was the first national storm warning system established, and where?
In France, 1855.
Who created the first synoptic weather chart and forecast, and when?
Admiral FitzRoy, in 1861, distributed via telegraph and newspaper
What did Lewis Fry Richardson propose in 1922 about the atmosphere?
That the atmosphere obeys the laws of physics
How is AI currently used in atmospheric science?
To understand and predict weather with greater accuracy.
How is wind direction defined?
By the direction the wind is blowing from, not toward
Who invented the first anemometer and when?
Leon Battista Alberti, in 1450.
What innovation did John Robinson bring to anemometers in 1845?
The four-cup velocity design, later modified to three cups by John Patterson in 1926.
Who devised the Beaufort scale for wind speed?
Francis Beaufort, in 1805, initially subjective until the invention of the anemometer.
How accurate are modern weather forecasts?
- 3-day: Nearly 100% accurate.
- 5-day: Over 80% accurate.
- 7-day: 78% useful.
- 10-day: Around 40% useful.
Why is it important to measure the atmosphere?
To determine climate, compare regions, identify extremes, forecast weather, issue warnings, and support research
What traditional ground-based observations are essential?
Surface pressure, temperature, wind speed and direction, precipitation, radiation, visibility, cloud cover, and present weather.
How often are synoptic observations made?
At least every six hours: 0000, 0600, 1200, and 1800 UTC.
What additional atmospheric changes are measured in more complex observations?
Parameters affecting weather and climate, often for sensitive areas like the Arctic and Antarctic.
What is the purpose of the Global Atmospheric Watch system?
To measure additional parameters for climate change, pollution, and ozone concerns worldwide.
What parameters are monitored at GAW stations?
- Global: Ozone, GHGs, solar radiation, aerosol properties, reactive gases, organic pollutants, heavy metals, radionuclides.
- Regional: Surface ozone, solar radiation, precipitation chemistry, CH₄, CO, black carbon, and meteorological parameters.
What is remote sensing?
A measurement system that does not physically contact the entity being measured, such as radar, lidar, or satellites
What is IAGOS, and what does it monitor?
A European research program using passenger aircraft to monitor essential climate variables and air quality.
How do geostationary and polar orbiting satellites differ?
Geostationary: Stays above a fixed location (altitude 35,786 km).
Polar orbiting: Orbits from pole to pole, covering the Earth twice daily (altitude a few hundred km).
What are the key components of a measurement system?
- Sensor: Responds to the parameter.
- Transducer: Quantifies the response.
- Calibration: Relates response to the parameter.
- Recording device: Collects data.
How do ground-based instruments differ from satellite instruments?
Ground: High accuracy, medium precision, manual/automatic output.
Satellite: Small, lightweight, stable, reliable, and requires constant ground-truthing.
Why is calibration important for satellite instruments?
To identify possible drift, such as with ozone measurements.
