Studied by 0 people
Looks like no one added any tags here yet for you.
How much water vapor is in Earth's atmosphere at any given time?
3.75×10^16 gallons
How often is the atmospheric water vapor recycled in one year?
40 times per year
What is the average residence time of a water molecule in the atmosphere?
9 days, providing latent energy per 9 days
What happens when water vapor condenses or freezes?
It releases latent energy, which contributes to earths energy balance
What provides the energy for global evaporation?
The Sun, which sustains atmospheric water vapor levels.
What is the hydrologic cycle?
The continuous movement of water through evaporation, condensation, precipitation, infiltration, runoff, and transpiration, driven by the Sun.
What is the colloquial meaning of "saturation"?
"full”, unable to hold more without releasing equal amount. Has to be relative to other variable.
What does it mean when the air is unsaturated with respect to liquid water?
More water molecules evaporate than condense, meaning evaporation continues spontaneously.
What does it mean when air is saturated with respect to liquid water?
No more water vapor can be added without forcing an equal amount to condense back into liquid.
Temperature
Average KE
How does temperature affect condensation?
Condensation is more likely in colder air.
Why does warm air hold more water vapor than cold air?
warm air molecules are less likely to condense, meaning more water vapor is required to reach saturation.
What are two ways air can reach saturation?
Adding more water vapor, or cooling the air
Limiting Value of Humidity
The maximum amount of water vapor air can hold at a given temperature (saturation point).
