In-Depth Notes on Meteorology and Natural Hazards

Definition: Latent heat of vaporization is the amount of heat required to convert a unit mass of a substance from liquid to gas at constant temperature and pressure.
Importance: Understanding latent heat is crucial for grasping concepts in thermodynamics and meteorology.

Zero Degrees Celsius: Discusses relevance to weather phenomena, specifically the absence of flood data since 2016, indicating an efficient tracking system (recurrence interval).
Recurrence Interval (R.I.):
- Defined as the average time between events (e.g. floods).
- Example from content: R.I. = 4 years, meaning floods repeat approximately every four years on average.
Low Pressure Systems:
- Identified to spin counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Driven by various meteorological factors; especially influenced by frontal systems (cold and warm fronts).

Cold vs. Warm Fronts:
- Cold fronts: Associated with thunderstorms and severe weather; direct impact on temperature and atmospheric pressure.
- Warm fronts: Generally bring gradual temperature increases and prolonged precipitation; typically occurs before a cold front in a low-pressure system.
Jet Stream Influence: Most fronts are influenced by the jet stream; their position can affect local weather conditions.

Average Barometric Pressure:
- Standard sea level pressure = 1013 hPa (hectopascals).
- Low pressure systems characterized by pressure significantly below normal values, indicating stormy weather.

El Nino Conditions:
- Characterized by warmer ocean temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific, leading to wet conditions in these areas.
- Impacts global weather patterns significantly.
La Nina Conditions:
- Opposite of El Nino, marked by cooler ocean temperatures, leading to dry conditions in the affected regions (Atlantic referred as La Nina).

Meteorite Impact Frequency: An example indicates a 5% occurrence within a century, indicating low likelihood but potential catastrophic consequences.
Geographical Risks:
- Locations prone to various natural hazards (earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, storm surges, hurricanes, and typhoons) were discussed, highlighting areas with substantial risk.

Digital Elevation Model: Used for understanding geological features and assessing risks of natural disasters in specific regions.
Randomized Geography Questions: Exam formats may include questions based on maps with varying questions and answers.
Hurricane Tracking: Understanding hurricane movement and the influence of Earth's rotation and track speed on storm intensity.