HWR 1141 – Introduction to Meteorology

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on the key terms and concepts from the HWR 1141 Introduction to Meteorology lecture notes.

Earth's Atmosphere

A layer of gases surrounding Earth, typically extending about 80 km.

Troposphere

The lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere, where weather occurs, extending from 0 km to about 12 km.

Stratosphere

The layer of the atmosphere above the troposphere, extending from about 12 km to 50 km, characterized by temperature inversion.

Water Vapour

The gaseous state of water in the atmosphere; highly variable in concentration.

Relative Humidity (RH)

The ratio of actual vapor pressure to saturation vapor pressure, expressed as a percentage.

Absolute Humidity (AH)

The mass of water vapour per unit volume of air, which changes with temperature and pressure.

Specific Humidity

The mass of water vapor present in a unit mass of moist air, remaining constant when the air expands.

Dew Point

The temperature at which air becomes saturated with water vapour, leading to condensation.

Lapse Rate

The rate of change of temperature with height in the atmosphere.

Pressure

The force exerted per unit area; measured in millibars (mb) in meteorology.

Mass

The quantity of matter in a substance, measured in grams (g) or kilograms (kg).

Density

The mass of a substance divided by its volume, typically expressed in kg/m³.

Force

A push or pull acting on an object, calculated as the product of mass and acceleration (F = ma).

Weight

The force acting on an object due to gravity, calculated as W = mg.

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)

A significant greenhouse gas, currently measured at 380 ppm in the atmosphere.

Ozone Layer

A region of Earth's stratosphere that absorbs most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation.

Greenhouse Gas

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, including water vapour and carbon dioxide.

CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons)

A group of compounds known to deplete the ozone layer.

Gravity Waves

Waves generated in a fluid (like air) due to the force of gravity acting on potential energy.