GEOG 101 - Lecture 3 (Temperatures of the Lower Atmosphere)

Kinetic Energy

energy of an object due to motion. molecules have random motion.

“Temperature”

abstract term to describe the energy

Environmental Lapse Rate

governs vertical temperature profile, determining the air stability (whether up, down, or stable)

Adiabatic Heating/Cooling

a consequence of energy conservation, where no heat is added or removed. cold dense air falls, while warm moist air rises. pressure decreases with altitude.

Adiabatic Lapse Rate

dry adiabatic lapse rate (DALR)

• 5.5 F/1000 ft

• Saturated Adiabatic Lapse Rate (SALR)

Condensation level

parcel of air expanded enough that the water molecules start to condense.

• certain heat capacity

• changes from dry rate → wet rate

Rising air ___ and descending air ____.

cools; warms

Temperature Inversion

earth cools at night, leading to warm air lying ABOVE the cold air. the “Lid” can be broken down by rapid warming or croswinds.

Diurnal Cycle (Day)

Earth begins to heat up at dawn, where incoming energy starts to exceed the loss. Heating of the gorund and sensible heat flow take time to develop.

Annual Cycle (Year)

similar to Diurnal Cycle, but with the seasons

Advection

Horizontal transport

Maritime Effect

describes how large bodies of water, like oceans, moderate nearby land climates by slowing temperatures changes, leading to milder winteres and cooler summers than inland areas. prominent in San Fransisco

water needs ____ amount of energy to heat; has a high heat ___.

considerable; capacity

Land needs considerably ___ energy to heat. Has a ___ heat capacity and heats up faster than water.

less; lower

Continental Effect

colder winteres, warmer summers. prominent in Verkhoyansk, Russia.

Wind

movement of air relative to eath’s surface tue to the imbalance of forces acting on air molecules

Atmospheric Circulation

earth recieves unequal solar radiation at different laittudes

ex.) Coriolis Effect

• flowing air experiences frictional drag from the surface

Pressure-Gradient Force

vary at two different locations, causing a pressure gradient. air from higher pressure move to a place of lower pressure.