Water in the atmosphere Flashcards
What is humidity?
Measure of the water vapor in the atmosphere
What is relative humidity?
Amount of water vapor in the air at given temperature
What two factors affect humidity?
-temp
-amount of water vapour
What is the dew point?
When unsaturated air is cooled and atmospheric pressure remains constant, a critical temperature will be reached when the air becomes saturated
What is saturated air?
air that is 100% humid
What happens as air cools?
Relative humidity increases, assuming no more added moisture and as more moisture is added relative humidity increases, assuming no change in temperature
What is evapotranspiration?
Process by which water is converted to vapor, normally due to a rise in temp
What is absolute humidity?
Total amount of water vapour that parcel of air can hold
