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Unit 6
Meterology
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Atmosphere | The layer of gasses that surround a planet or moon |
| Altitude | The vertical elevation of an object above a surface (such as sea level or land) |
| Ozone layer | Section (layer) in the stratosphere that protects Earth from radiation |
| Troposphere | Layer of Earth’s atmosphere that is closest to Earth’s surface; temperature and pressure decrease as altitude increases; where all weather occurs |
| How temp changes with altitude | Troposphere-DECREASE Stratosphere-INCREASE Mesosphere-DECREASE Thermosphere-INCREASE (Exo-INCREASE) |
| Types of heat transfer | Radiation - sun or waves Conduction - contact or touching Convection - movement |
| Cause of wind | All winds are caused by differences in air pressure caused by the unequal heating of the Earth’s surfaces. |
| Local winds | Winds that blow over short distances due to uneven heating in small areas. |
| Humidity | The amount of water vapor in the air |
| Air masses | Define: a very large volume of air that has a specific temperature and moisture content. Naming: first name = moisture content (humid or dry) Second name = temperature (warm or cool) |
| Tornado formation | A tornado forms when a cP and a mT air mass collide. The mT air mass quickly rises into the atmosphere carrying moisture with it. This combined with varying winds cause the storm to spin. |
| Global Winds | Winds that blow over long distances due to uneven heating across large areas |