Chp 11.2 NOTES Studying States of the Atmosphere

MAIN IDEA #1Atmospheric scientists use a large variety of instruments to help us study and predict atmospheric conditions that are constantly changing hourly, daily, yearly…..

(Atmospheric) Measurements & Instruments

TemperatureDefine: A degree of hotness or coldness measured on a definite scale.

Instrument: Thermometer

Relative HumidityDefine: Ratio of water vapor actually in the air compared to the maximum water vapor amount That the air can hold at a given temperature.

Use (of a psychrometer): 2 thermometers- 1 w/ a wet bulb, 1 w/ a dry bulb. Spin together in air, compare.

The greater the temp. differences, the less humid the air is.

Put wet gauzeon end of bulb.

Instruments: hygrometer or psychrometer

AIR PRESSURE

Define: The force with which air pushes downon Earth.

Instruments: Barometer

WIND DIRECTION

INSTRUMENTS: weather vane, wind sock

Rainfall Amount

INSTRUMENTS: rain gauge.

Wind Speed

INSTRUMENTS: anemometer, wind sock

Upper atmosphere

INSTRUMENTS: radiosondes, satellites, radar

MAIN IDEA #2Earth is able to maintain relatively stable temperatures, even w/ the large amount of heat energy sent from the sun.

Main Idea 3: Air temp & density directly affect pressure. These Pressure differences lead to air movement.