Atmospheric Moisture and Precipitation

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to atmospheric moisture and precipitation, including definitions and processes integral to understanding the subject.

Humidity

The percentage (amount) of water vapor in a parcel of air.

Relative Humidity

The amount of water vapor in a parcel of air compared to the maximum amount it could hold.

Adiabatic Processes

Changes in temperature caused by the expansion or compression of air without heat exchange with surrounding air.

Condensation Nucleus

A tiny particle of dust or salt around which a water droplet or ice particle forms.

Cumulus Clouds

Low-medium height clouds that are 'puffy' in appearance and formed by rising pockets of air.

Stratus Clouds

Low clouds that appear as a 'blanket' and are associated with humid conditions and drizzle.

Cirrus Clouds

High altitude clouds that have a 'thin' or 'wispy' appearance and are made of ice particles.

Cumulonimbus Clouds

Storm clouds that extend from low to high altitude, associated with heavy precipitation.

Orographic Precipitation

Precipitation that occurs when air rises over a mountain range.

Convergent Precipitation

Precipitation caused by air masses coming together, forcing air to rise.

Dew Point

The temperature at which water vapor in an air parcel condenses.

Evapotranspiration

The process by which trees release water vapor into the air through their leaves.

Forms of Precipitation

Includes rain, snow, sleet, freezing rain, and hail.

ITCZ (Intertropical Convergence Zone)

A region near the equator where trade winds meet, causing increased precipitation.

Humidity Variation

Atmospheric water vapor varies, being less over poles and more at the equator.

Hydrologic Cycle

A closed system where water is reused and recycled in the Earth's atmosphere.