Recording-2025-03-03T16:30:28.844Z

Introduction to Atmospheric Science

• Understanding atmosphere is essential for studying weather phenomena like hurricanes, blizzards, and tornadoes.

• Lecture includes definitions and key concepts central to these topics.

• Reference to White Wand, a significant nor'easter that caused extensive damage comparable to a hurricane.

Key Weather Concepts

Types of Storms

• Nor'easter: A storm characterized by strong northeastern winds, often bringing heavy precipitation.

• Colorado low: Another type of low pressure system impactful in weather patterns.

Important Definitions

• Sensible heat: The heat absorbed or released to change the temperature of a substance without changing its state.

• Latent heat: The heat required for phase changes of water, critical in storm development. Especially pertinent for hurricanes and tornadoes.

• Insolation: Incoming solar radiation that drives atmospheric processes.

Weather Variables

Weather Elements

• Temperature: Key for understanding local conditions.

• Precipitation: Includes amount, type, and duration, vital for preparing for outdoor activities.

• Wind: Includes speed and direction, which can affect weather conditions significantly.

• Barometric Pressure: Important for weather forecasting, influences storm formation and intensity.

  • Average sea level pressure: 1013 millibars.

  • Lower pressure indicates stormy weather; high pressure usually brings clear skies.

Climate vs. Weather

• Weather: Short-term atmospheric conditions in a specific place.

• Climate: Long-term average of weather conditions for a region, including temperature and precipitation.

  • Microclimates: Local variations affected by specific geographical features.

Energy Sources and Climate Drivers

Solar Energy

• The sun is the primary energy source for atmospheric processes and climate.

• Energy distribution varies with latitude.

  • Equatorial regions receive the most energy due to direct sunlight.

  • Polar regions receive less energy because sunlight spreads over a larger area.

Seasonal Variation

• Earth's tilt affects energy distribution, leading to seasonal changes.

  • Summer occurs in the hemisphere tilted towards the sun.

  • Winter is experienced by the hemisphere tilted away.

Planetary Temperature Patterns

Temperature Distribution

• The latitudinal temperature gradient: Temperature declines as latitude increases from the equator to the poles.

• Albedo effect: Reflectivity of surfaces like ice impacts how much solar energy is absorbed or reflected.

• As sea ice diminishes, oceans absorb more heat, leading to accelerated warming in polar regions.

Atmospheric Dynamics

Atmospheric Cells

• Hadley Cells: Convergence at the equator leading to upward motion and storm formation.

• Ferrell and Polar Cells: Influence weather systems at mid-latitudes and poles.

  • Jet streams associated with these cells can affect weather patterns and storm paths.

Atmospheric Rivers

• Weather events resulting from jet streams channeling moisture-laden air, leading to intense precipitation events.

Stratospheric Layers

• Troposphere: Where most weather occurs, extending up to 18 km.

• Layers above (stratosphere, mesosphere) contain less density and pressure.

• Atmospheric pressure decreases with altitude; pressure at sea level averages 1013 millibars.

Conclusion

• The concepts of barometric pressure, temperature, and energy from the sun are crucial for understanding weather patterns and preparing for atmospheric hazards.