weather Flashcards
6 basic elements of weather
temperature pressure wind moisture clouds precipitation
dry air composition
78% nitrogen
21% oxygen
1% other gases
NATURAL AIR composition
dry air + condensation + water vapor
where does weather occur in the atmosphere
troposphere only
3 reasons for atmospheric circulation
uneven heating of the earths surface
rotating earth causes Coriolis force
tilt of the earth on its axis
the US is positioned between which latitudes?
30 degrees and 60 degrees
classification
review sheet
standard temperature lapse rate
2 degrees C/ 1000 feet
types of heat transfer
radiation
conduction
convection
advection (wind)
transfer of heat by electromagnetic waves
radiation
transfer of heat by physical contact – always travels from warm to cold
conduction
transfer of heat by way of gas in a vertical movement
convection
horizontal transfer of heat by wind
advection
2 types of temperature inversions
radiation (nocturnal) – ground releasing heat
frontal – 2 air masses of different densities meet
standard MSL pressure
- 92 Hg
1013. 2 mb of hP
all fronts are what type of pressure
LOW
pressure systems
review notes
how far apart are isobars
4mb
what is the purpose of isobars
show areas of high and low pressure, wind direction and speed.
strong wind=close lines
light wind= far apart lines
force exerted by a change in pressure per unit of horizontal distance
pressure gradient force
gradient wind / wind aloft
above the friction level (2000 feet AGL)
buys ballot’s law states:
standing with your back to the wind, low pressure will be to your left
states of moisture
gas/ vapor
liquid
solid
changes in moisture
evaporation condensation fusion/ freezing deposition (below freezing temps) sublimation - solid to gas melting
is more moisture in the air better or worse for performance?
WORSE – less moisture = better lift/ performance
is more moisture in the air better or worse for performance?
WORSE – less moisture = better lift/ performance
temperature of a gas is changed without the addition or deletion of heat energy
adiabatic process
an altitude to which the air must be lifted for the condensed to take place. clouds will form here
level of condensation or lifted condensation level – temperature and dew point are the same
CB can be embedded in what type of clouds?
ST
what type of fronts have temperature inversion
ALL
fronts
review notes
