Hypsometric Equation | Prelab 13

Hypsometric equation

an equation that relates the thickness (hypso-, or height) of a pressure layer to the average temperature of that layer

pressure gradient force

the force within a fluid caused by a pressure difference, the main force that causes wind

hydrostatic balance

a vertical force balance where the pressure gradient force is equal and opposite of the gravitational force

buys ballot law

States with the wind to your back, lower pressure will be on your left and higher pressure on your right in the Northern Hemisphere

cross section, horizontal distance, height above the surface

A (term term) is a vertical slice through the atmosphere where the x-axis represents the TERM distance (north-south) and the y-axis represents the TERM ABOVE THE TERM (up-down). Portrays the vertical structure of weather systems and storms.

Air pressure decreases with height

(Air pressure TERMS with height).

Whenever there is a pressure difference, either horizontal or vertical, force is directed from high pressure towards low pressure. This is called the pressure gradient force, or PGF. Because higher pressure near surface layers are beneath lower pressure high-atmosphere layers in the atmosphere, PGF would naturally make air go up. But the force of gravity counteracts this, creating a balance called the hydrostatic balance.

(Whenever there is a pressure difference, either horizontal or vertical, force is directed from TERM pressure towards TERM pressure. This is called the Term Term Term, or PGF. Because higher pressure near-surface layers are beneath lower pressure high-atmosphere layers in the atmosphere, PGF would naturally make air go up. But the force of TERM counteracts this, creating a balance called the TERM balance).

Hypsometric equation:

H = 29.29*Tavg*ln(Plower/Pupper)

H→ Vertical distance, height or depth, between the upper and lower pressure levels, in meters

Tavg→ the average temperature of the layer, in Kelvin

ln → natural log

Plower→ pressure at the lower level of the layer, in hPa

Pupper → pressure at the upper level of the layer, in hPa

[ Hypsometric equation:

H = 29.29*Tavg*ln(Plower/Pupper)

H → TERM TERM, TERM or depth, between the upper and lower pressure levels, in UNIT

Tavg→ the TERM TERM of the layer, in UNIT

ln → TERM TERM

Plower→ TERM at the TERM level of the layer, in UNIT

Pupper→ TERM at the TERM level of the layer, in UNIT

The hypsometric equation reveals that warm layers are thicker than cooler layers; or that layer thickness is proportional to layer temperature

(The hypsometric equation reveals that TERM layers are TERM than cooler layers; or that layer TERM is proportional to layer TERM).

Z-surface line

straight black line that represents a surface of constant height above sea level

P-surface line

Curved red line that represents a surface of constant pressure above sea level

Relative pressure and height on a constant height model are directly proportional; higher pressure corresponds with higher height on a constant height surface and vice versa. However, remember that outside of this model and generally in the atmosphere, pressure and height are inversely proportional and high pressure corresponds with low height

(Relative pressure and height on a constant height surface are TERMLY proportional; TERM pressure corresponds with TERM height on a constant height surface and vice versa. However, remember that outside of this model and generally in the atmosphere, pressure and height are TERMLY proportional and high pressure corresponds with TERM height).

outward

In representations of Buys Ballot law, a dot indicates TERM flow.

inward

In representations of Buys Ballot law, an X indicates TERM flow.

Buys Ballot Law

A qualitative description of the geostrophic wind that describes the relationship between wind direction and pressure

Buys Ballot Law: In the Northern hemisphere, if you stand with the wind at your back, there will be lower pressure on your left and higher pressure on your right.

(Buys Ballot Law: In the TERM hemisphere, if you stand with the wind at your TERM , there will be TERMER pressure on your Left and TERMER pressure on your right).