Relative Humidity Flashcards
1
Q
What is relative humidity?
A
Amount of moisture in a body of air compared to maximum the air mass can hold
2
Q
Which type of air can hold the most moisture?
A
Warm air
3
Q
What is dew point?
A
- When relative humidity reaches 100%
- Water vapour condenses
4
Q
What does monsoon denote?
A
Seasonal reversal in wind direction
5
Q
Outline the July summer monsoon
A
ITCZ moves north over Indian subcontinent and heats land
6
Q
The summer monsoon is wet because:
A
- SW prevailing wind blows over warm India Ocean
- Air crosses hot land and rises to form cumulonimbus clouds and daily convectional rainfall
- Relief rainfall relevant in some areas
7
Q
Outline the January winter monsoon
A
ITCZ moves south over Indian Ocean, causing cooling on land
8
Q
The winter monsoon is dry because:
A
- NE prevailing wind travels over Indian subcontinent
- Air sinks from Himalayan foothills to Ganges Plain and warms up, decreasing condensation and humidity
- High altitude and cold origin of air mass limits moisture
