LAB 3 Flashcards
atmosphere
consists of a zone of gas molecules that surrounds the earth
troposphere
lowest atmospheric layer - varies between 5-10 miles - boarders earths surface
components of variable mixture
most abundant - water vapor (gaseous water) and very small airborne solids known as particulates
top four gases in the atmosphere
nitrogen, oxygen, argon, co2
any object w temperature (ex molecular motion) emits…
electromagnetic radiation
examples of short wavelength radiation…
X-rays, ultraviolet radiation, visible light
examples of long wavelength radiation…
thermal infrared (heat) and microwaves
(def.) ground radiation
primary source of heat in the troposphere
(def.) environmental lapse rate
atmospheric temp decreases with increasing altitude above the Earth’s surface at a constant rate
(def.) normal environmental lapse rate)
cooling of 3.5ºF per 1000ft
(def.) temperature inversion
colder air below and warmer air above represents a condition known as an inversion of the normal environmental lapse rate
(def.) conduction
draws heat from
(def.) contientality
the effect of a large expanse of land on temperature trends
(def.) marine influence
a place so near the ocean that its atmospheric conditions are affected by the water
(def.) range
measured values
(def.) annual temperature range
diff. between the average temp of the coolest month and the average of the warmest month for one year (or over many years)
(def.) atmospheric pressure
weight of the molecules of the atmosphere per unit area on the Earth’s surface
(def.) wind
movement of air over Earth’s surface from a region of higher pressure to a region of lower pressure
(def.) pressure gradient
the change in atmospheric pressure from one region to another
(def.) Coriolis effect
causes wind to be turned (deflected)
(def.) pressure cells
where isobars are closed
(def.) isobars
lines of equal temperature
(def.) anticyclone
where isobars represent higher and higher pressure toward the center of the cell
(def.) anticyclonic circulation
deflected outward flow of air from a high pressure cell
(def.) cyclonic circulation
deflected inward flow of air to the center of a low pressure cell
