Thermodynamics, Meteorology & Climate Flashcards
Conduction
heat transfer through direct contact; occurs in solids
Convection
heat transfer due to differences in density; occurs in fluids
Radiation
heat transfer through no medium(substance); it is how we get energy from the sun
Best absorbers of heat energy
dark colors & rough surfaces
Best reflectors of heat energy
light colors & smooth surfaces
INcoming SOLar radiATION
sunlight
what’s the cloud formation?
(R.E.C.C.C)
Air rises - expands - cools - condenses to form clouds
Factors affecting the Latitude
The higher your latitude, the colder your climate.
Factors that effect altitude
The higher your altitude, the colder your climate.
factors affecting mountain ranges
On the windward side of a mountain, your climate will be wet, on the leeward side of a
mountain, your climate will be dry. Orographic lifting (adiabatic temperature change) occurs when air is forced up by mountains, causing cooling, condensation, and precipitation on the windward side and
warming and evaporation on the leeward side.
factors affecting Oceans/Large Bodies of Water
The closer you are to water, the less extreme your climate (warmer winters
and cooler summers).
factors affecting ocean currents
Locations near warm water currents will have warmer climates, locations near cold water
currents will have colder climates
where do hurricanes tend to form
in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa and move west across the water
what instrument measures relative humidity and dew point
psychrometer
what instrument measures barometric pressure
barometer
