Atmospheric Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer

Flashcards covering key vocabulary, concepts, and definitions related to atmospheric thermodynamics, heat transfer mechanisms, and climatological effects, based on the provided lecture notes.

Temperature

A measure of the average kinetic energy of the atoms or molecules composing a substance.

Thermometers

Instruments used to measure temperature, including mercury/alcohol, resistance (thermistors), infrared, and bimetallic types.

Second Law of Thermodynamics (Heat Transfer)

States that heat always flows spontaneously from warmer to colder regions until thermal equilibrium is achieved, occurring via radiation, conduction, or convection.

Sensible Heating

A measurable change in temperature of the atmosphere caused by heat transfer via conduction and convection.

Latent Heating

Energy absorbed or released during phase changes of water without a change in temperature, such as when condensation releases heat to the atmosphere.

Latent Heat Absorption

Occurs during phase changes such as melting, evaporation, and sublimation, where heat is taken from the environment.

Latent Heat Release

Occurs during phase changes such as freezing, condensation, and deposition, where heat is given off to the environment.

Evaporation's Role in Cooling

The most important cooling process at Earth’s surface on a global annual average, transferring latent heat and fueling atmospheric circulation.

Maritime Climate

A climate type, like San Francisco's, moderated by proximity to the ocean, resulting in small seasonal temperature variations.

Continental Climate

A climate type, like St. Louis's, characterized by inland location, leading to large seasonal temperature variations due to land's specific heat properties.

Land vs. Water Heating Characteristics

Land heats up and cools down faster than water due to its lower specific heat and less mixing capacity.

Thunderstorm Heat Transfer

A process where warm, moist air rises via convection, and the condensation of water vapor releases latent heat, powering updrafts and transferring heat to the middle and upper troposphere.

Latitudinal Energy Imbalance

The condition where tropical regions receive a surplus of solar energy and polar regions have a deficit, necessitating poleward heat transport.

Poleward Heat Transport Mechanisms

Processes like atmospheric circulation (air mass exchanges, tropical storms) and ocean currents (e.g., Gulf Stream) that move heat from the tropics to the poles to maintain global heat balance.

Global Heat Balance

The partitioning of incoming energy into net radiation (R), sensible heating (H), latent heating (LE), and ground storage (G).

Bowen Ratio

The ratio of sensible heating (H) to latent heating (LE), which is higher in arid climates (sensible > latent) and lower in humid climates (latent > sensible).

Surface Properties and Air Temperature

Characteristics like snow cover (high albedo), soil moisture (dry vs. wet), and cloud cover (clear skies) that significantly influence lower tropospheric air temperatures.

Cold Air Advection

The horizontal movement of colder air into warmer areas, resulting in a decrease in local temperatures.

Warm Air Advection

The horizontal movement of warmer air into cooler areas, resulting in an increase in local temperatures.