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Atmospheric Science Final
Comprehensive Final
32
Meteorology
Undergraduate 2
12/09/2010

Additional Meteorology Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term
Weather
Definition
Condition of Atmosphere
Term
Weather Defined as
Definition

Temp
Relative Humidity
Dew Point

Pressure
Wind Speed

Cloud Cover & Direction

Term
What causes weather?
Definition
The Sun
Term
Atmosphere is composed of
Definition
Nitrogen
Oxygen
Argon
Trace Gases
Term
Pressure always...
Definition
Decreases upward
Term
Density always...
Definition
decreases upward
Term
Lowest to highest atmosphere:
Definition
Troposphere, tropopause, stratosphere, stratopause, mesosphere, mesopause, thermosphere 
Term
Energy Cycle
Definition
Starts with the Sun
Term
All objects emit...
Definition
Radiation
Term
Higher temperature objects emit...
(Less or More)
Definition
More
Term
More radiation has (long/short) wavelengths?
Definition
Short
Term
Greenhouse Gasses:
Definition
effect isa series of absorptions and emissions of infrared radiation from/to different layers of atmosphere and the earth.
Term
Conduction:
Definition

transfers energy by direct contact (molecular)

(ex. heating up a metal rod)

Term
Convection:
Definition

Transfers energy by the movement of molecules in large groups

(ex. heat from a fire)

Term
Advection:
Definition
is horizontal convection
Term
Latent Heating:
Definition
energy transferred between evaporating water and its surroundings.
Term
Energy gains from sun =
Definition
energy lost from Earth
Term
Volcanic eruptions have what kind of effect?
Definition
cooling
Term
Humidity:
Definition
how much water is in the air
Term
Saturation
Definition
when rate of condensation equals rate of evaporation
Term
water changing phases is a source of energy for:
Definition
storms
Term
Mixing ratio (does/does not) change with temp?
Definition
Does not
Term
a low relative humidity (does/doesn't) allow a higher evaporation rate:
Definition
Does.
Term
Dew Point:
Definition
temperature to which air must cool in order to become saturated
Term
Frost Point:
Definition
dew point is lower than 0 degrees C (32 degrees Fahrenheit)
Term
Condensation in air occurs when:
Definition

RH>100% or supersaturation occurs.

 

Term
Supercooled water:
Definition
water below the freezing point, but is still a liquid.
Term
Dry adiabatic lapse rate:
Definition
air parcel expands as it rises. (Decreasing pressure w/alt.)
Term
Wet adiabatic lapse rate:
Definition

unsaturated parcel of air will rise and cool at -9.8K/Km (5.4 degrees F/1000ft)

Then the air parcel saturates

Term
Absolutely stable environment:
Definition
< Saturated adiabatic lapse rate
(No parcels keep rising)
Term
Absolutely unstable environment:
Definition
> dry adiabatic lapse rate
(all parcels keep rising)
Term
conditionally unstable environment:
Definition

<dry adiabatic lapse rate

and

>saturated adiabatic lapse rate

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