Meteorological phenomena refer to observable weather events and characteristics that result from atmospheric conditions. These phenomena include a wide range of occurrences that can be local, regional, or global in nature. Some common meteorological phenomena include: 1. **Rain**: Precipitation in the form of liquid droplets, which occurs when moisture in the atmosphere condenses and falls to the ground. 2. **Snow**: Precipitation in the form of ice crystals that occurs when temperatures are below freezing.
Atmospheric electricity refers to the electric charges and electric fields present in the Earth's atmosphere. This phenomenon encompasses various processes and phenomena, including: 1. **Thunderstorms and Lightning**: One of the most familiar aspects of atmospheric electricity is the generation of lightning. Thunderstorms create significant electrical charge separation between different parts of the cloud and between the cloud and the ground. Lightning occurs as a discharge of this accumulated electrical energy.
Atmospheric radiation refers to the energy emitted, absorbed, and scattered by the atmosphere in the form of electromagnetic radiation, including visible light, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, infrared (IR) radiation, and other wavelengths. This phenomenon plays a crucial role in the Earth's energy balance and climate system. ### Key Components of Atmospheric Radiation: 1. **Solar Radiation**: The Sun emits radiation across a spectrum, primarily in the visible, ultraviolet, and infrared ranges.
Clouds, fog, and precipitation are all related to atmospheric conditions and play significant roles in the Earth's weather systems. Here’s a brief overview of each: ### Clouds - **Definition**: Clouds are visible masses of water droplets or ice crystals that are suspended in the atmosphere. They form when air containing water vapor rises and cools, leading to condensation. - **Types**: There are several types of clouds, generally classified into different categories based on their appearance and altitude.
The "Glossary of Meteorology" is a comprehensive reference that includes definitions and explanations of terms related to meteorology, which is the scientific study of the atmosphere and its phenomena, including weather and climate. This glossary serves as a valuable resource for both professionals in the field of meteorology and for the general public who are interested in understanding meteorological concepts. Typically, such a glossary includes terms related to: - Atmospheric processes (e.g., convection, advection) - Weather phenomena (e.g.
Severe weather refers to hazardous atmospheric conditions that can cause damage, pose risks to health and safety, and disrupt normal activities. This includes phenomena such as thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards, floods, hailstorms, and extreme temperatures. Severe weather can result from a variety of meteorological forces and is often characterized by intense rainfall, strong winds, lightning, and other dangerous conditions.
Snow and ice weather phenomena refer to atmospheric conditions that involve the formation, presence, and effects of snow and ice. These phenomena typically occur in cold weather conditions and can result from various factors, including temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure. Here are some key aspects of snow and ice weather phenomena: ### Snow 1. **Formation**: Snow forms when water vapor in the atmosphere cools and condenses into ice crystals.
"Storm" can refer to several different concepts depending on the context. Here are a few possible interpretations: 1. **Meteorological Phenomenon**: In a weather context, a storm is a disturbance in the atmosphere characterized by strong winds, precipitation (rain, snow, sleet, hail), and sometimes thunder and lightning. Common types of storms include thunderstorms, hurricanes, tornadoes, and blizzards.
Weather hazards refer to dangerous or extreme weather conditions that pose risks to people, property, and the environment. These hazards can lead to significant impacts, including injury, loss of life, and damage to infrastructure. Some common types of weather hazards include: 1. **Severe Storms**: These can include thunderstorms, hail, and tornadoes, which can cause wind damage, flooding, and property destruction.
The 1566 celestial phenomenon over Basel refers to a well-documented event in which a series of bright lights and unusual celestial appearances were observed in the skies over Basel, Switzerland. This event, which occurred in August 1566, has been described as a "celestial phenomenon" involving numerous glowing objects that appeared to move across the sky in various formations.
An air mass is a large body of air that has uniform temperature and humidity characteristics in the horizontal direction. It typically spans thousands of square kilometers and can extend vertically through the atmosphere. The properties of an air mass are influenced by the region over which it forms, known as its source region. Air masses are classified based on their temperature and moisture content: 1. **Temperature:** - **Tropical (T)** - Warm air masses that originate in the tropics.
An "airshed" refers to a specific geographic area that shares the same air quality and is impacted by the same sources of air pollution. The concept is used in environmental science and air quality management to analyze and manage air pollution. It considers how various pollutants travel through the atmosphere and how they can affect air quality within a defined region.
Anticyclogenesis refers to the process of forming a high-pressure system, or anticyclone, in the atmosphere. An anticyclone is characterized by descending air and generally clear skies, with winds circulating outward from the center of the high-pressure area. The term comes from "anti-" meaning "opposite" and "cyclogenesis," which refers to the formation of a low-pressure system, or cyclone.
The Asiatic Low, also referred to as the Asiatic monsoon low, is a significant atmospheric pressure feature that influences the climate of the Asian continent, particularly during the summer months. It typically forms over the northern Indian subcontinent, extending into parts of Southeast Asia and the surrounding regions. The Asiatic Low is characterized by relatively low atmospheric pressure compared to the surrounding areas.
The Australian Northwest Cloudband is a meteorological phenomenon characterized by a band of cloud and associated weather systems that primarily occurs in the northern and western regions of Australia. This feature is particularly significant during the Australian monsoon season and can influence rainfall patterns, temperature, and overall weather conditions in these areas. The cloudband is associated with the interaction between the warm, moist air from the Indian Ocean and the cooler, drier air from the southern regions.
Clear-air turbulence (CAT) is a type of turbulence that occurs in clear air, typically at high altitudes, and is often associated with jet streams or weather fronts. Unlike turbulence that occurs in turbulent weather conditions with visible clouds or storms, CAT can happen suddenly and without warning in clear skies, making it challenging for pilots to detect and avoid.
Crow instability is a phenomenon observed in fluid dynamics, particularly in the context of stratified flows. It refers to an instability that occurs in a horizontal layer of fluid when a lighter fluid overlies a heavier fluid. This can lead to the formation of internal waves and the eventual mixing of the two layers due to the instability. The term is named after the American physicist H. J. Crow, who studied the stability of stratified flows.
Diurnal air temperature variation refers to the change in air temperature that occurs over the course of a single day. This variation is primarily influenced by the position of the sun and the Earth's rotation, which affects the amount of solar radiation received at different times of the day. Key points about diurnal air temperature variation include: 1. **Daily Cycle**: Temperatures typically rise during the day as the sun heats the Earth's surface and fall at night when the sun sets and the heat dissipates.
Downwelling is a process in oceanography that refers to the sinking of water, primarily in the ocean. It occurs when surface water becomes denser than the water beneath it, causing it to sink. This can happen for various reasons, including: 1. **Cooling**: In polar regions, surface water can cool and become denser, leading to downwelling as it sinks.
Drought is a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, resulting in a water shortage. It can have significant impacts on agriculture, water supply, ecosystems, and economies. Drought can occur in various ways, including: 1. **Meteorological Drought**: This type occurs when there is a significant deficit in precipitation over a certain period compared to the average for that region.
Evaporation is the process by which molecules of a liquid gain enough energy to transition into the gas phase. It occurs at the surface of the liquid and can happen at any temperature, although it happens more quickly at higher temperatures. In evaporation, individual molecules escape from the liquid into the air, where they disperse as vapor. Factors that influence the rate of evaporation include: 1. **Temperature**: Higher temperatures increase the kinetic energy of molecules, leading to a higher rate of evaporation.
A flood is an overflow of water onto normally dry land. This phenomenon can occur due to various factors, including: 1. **Excessive Rainfall**: Heavy precipitation over a short period can overwhelm drainage systems and natural waterways. 2. **Snowmelt**: The melting of snow, particularly during spring, can lead to sudden increases in water levels in rivers and streams.
The freezing level, also known as the "freezing height," refers to the altitude at which the air temperature drops to 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit) or below. It is significant in meteorology and aviation as it helps determine where rain will fall as liquid water, where it might freeze into ice or snow, and where conditions can affect aircraft performance.
A heat dome is a meteorological phenomenon that occurs when a high-pressure system traps warm air in a region, often leading to prolonged periods of excessively high temperatures. This typically happens when a high-pressure area forms in the atmosphere, causing warm air to descend and compress, which leads to increased temperatures.
A heat wave is a prolonged period of excessively hot weather, which may be accompanied by high humidity. The specific criteria for what constitutes a heat wave can vary depending on the region and local climate. Generally, a heat wave is defined by temperature thresholds that exceed the average for a given location over an extended period, often lasting several days or more. Heat waves can have significant impacts on public health, agriculture, infrastructure, and the environment.
In meteorology, "inflow" refers to the movement of air into a specific area, particularly into a low-pressure system, storm, or other weather phenomenon. It is an important concept for understanding how weather systems develop and change. In meteorological terms, inflow can be described in several contexts: 1. **Tropical Cyclones**: Inflow is crucial for the development of tropical storms and hurricanes.
The Meiyu front, also known as the East Asian summer monsoon front or the plum rain front, is a meteorological phenomenon that occurs in East Asia, particularly affecting areas of southern China, Taiwan, and parts of Japan, during the late spring and early summer months.
In meteorology, "outflow" refers to the movement of air or precipitation away from a weather system, particularly in relation to thunderstorms or other convective systems. There are two primary contexts in which outflow is discussed: 1. **Outflow Boundaries**: This occurs when cooler air created by downdrafts in a thunderstorm spreads out at the surface.
The "polar see-saw" refers to a phenomenon related to the dynamics of Earth's polar regions, specifically concerning the interactions between the Arctic and Antarctic climates. It's often associated with the concept of "polar amplification" and the shifts in climate patterns caused by changes in atmospheric and oceanic circulation. The "see-saw" effect indicates that when temperatures rise in one polar region, they may lead to cooler conditions in the opposite region.
Potential evaporation (or evapotranspiration) refers to the amount of water that could evaporate from a surface, such as soil or water bodies, or transpire from vegetation, under optimal conditions. It represents an estimate of the maximum evaporation rate that can occur, assuming that there is sufficient moisture available in the soil and that other environmental conditions (like temperature, humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation) are conducive to evaporation.
Precipitation is any form of water, liquid or solid, that falls from the atmosphere and reaches the ground. It is a key component of the Earth's water cycle and can occur in various forms, including: 1. **Rain**: Liquid water droplets that fall when atmospheric conditions permit. 2. **Snow**: Ice crystals that fall when temperatures are low enough for water vapor to freeze. 3. **Sleet**: Small ice pellets that form when rain freezes before reaching the ground.
A pressure system, often referred to in meteorology, is a large-scale atmospheric system characterized by a region of high or low pressure. These systems are essential components of the Earth's weather and climate, influencing wind patterns, precipitation, and temperature. ### Types of Pressure Systems: 1. **High-Pressure System (Anticyclone):** - Characterized by descending air, leading to clear skies and stable weather. - Associated with calm, dry conditions.
The Saharan Air Layer (SAL) is a mass of dry, dusty air that originates over the Sahara Desert in North Africa. It is typically found in the mid-troposphere and can extend thousands of kilometers westward over the Atlantic Ocean and sometimes even reach the Caribbean and parts of the Americas. The SAL is characterized by its high temperatures, low humidity, and the presence of mineral dust.
"Sea state" refers to the general condition of the surface of the sea, characterized primarily by the height, wavelength, and frequency of waves. It is an important concept in marine and meteorological contexts, as it impacts shipping, boating, fishing, and coastal activities. Sea state is commonly categorized using a scale that ranges from calm (with little to no wave action) to rough or very rough (with large waves and turbulent conditions).
Sea surface temperature (SST) refers to the temperature of the upper layer of the ocean, typically measured at a depth of about 1 millimeter to a few meters below the surface. SST is an important parameter in oceanography and meteorology as it plays a significant role in various environmental and climatic processes. Key points about sea surface temperature include: 1. **Measurement**: SST can be measured using buoys, ships, and satellites.
Secondary flow refers to the flow patterns that occur in a fluid dynamics context, particularly in situations where the primary flow direction is established by external forces or conditions, such as pressure gradients or gravity. This concept is commonly discussed in the contexts of: 1. **Turbulence**: Secondary flows often arise in turbulent conditions, where the fluid exhibits complex and chaotic motion. These flows can include vortices and other rotational motions that are perpendicular to the main flow direction.
"Sky" can refer to several things, depending on the context: 1. **Astronomical Sky**: The expanse of air and space in which clouds, stars, and celestial bodies can be seen. It encompasses everything above the Earth's surface, including atmospheric layers and outer space. 2. **Sky Group**: A telecommunications company based in the United Kingdom, known for its television broadcasting, broadband and telephone services.
Solar gain refers to the increase in temperature within a space, such as a building, due to sunlight entering through windows or other openings. This phenomenon occurs when solar radiation is absorbed by the building's surfaces (like walls, floors, and furniture) and converted into heat, effectively raising the temperature of the interior environment. Solar gain can be beneficial in colder months, as it can help reduce heating costs by allowing sunlight to naturally warm a space.
The term "stratosphere" can refer to different contexts, but it is most commonly known in two primary domains: atmospheric science and technology. 1. **Atmospheric Science**: In meteorology, the stratosphere is the second layer of Earth's atmosphere, situated above the troposphere and below the mesosphere. It extends from about 10 to 50 kilometers (6 to 31 miles) above sea level.
Subsidence in the context of the atmosphere refers to the gradual downward movement of air in the atmosphere. This phenomenon is typically associated with high-pressure systems, where air masses are forced to sink due to various factors, including cooling, gravitational forces, and the loss of buoyancy. When air descends, it becomes compressed, which can lead to warming and drying of the air mass. This process can have significant impacts on weather and climate, often resulting in clear skies and dry conditions.
"Thunder" can refer to several different concepts, depending on the context. Here are some of the most common meanings: 1. **Meteorological Phenomenon**: Thunder is the sound produced by the rapid expansion of air surrounding a bolt of lightning. When lightning strikes, it heats the surrounding air to an extremely high temperature, causing it to expand rapidly and create a shockwave that we perceive as thunder.
A weather front is a boundary that separates two different air masses in the atmosphere, typically characterized by differences in temperature, humidity, and density. Weather fronts are important features in meteorology because they are often associated with changes in weather conditions, including precipitation, temperature shifts, and changes in wind direction. There are several types of weather fronts: 1. **Cold Front**: This occurs when a cold air mass pushes into a warmer air mass.
A "white squall" is a sudden, intense windstorm that can occur over water, often characterized by its rapid onset and the formation of whitecaps on the surface of the water due to strong winds. These squalls can produce higher waves and dangerous conditions for vessels at sea. White squalls are typically associated with very localized weather phenomena, where the wind can shift dramatically without much warning, leading to turbulent conditions.
Wind is the movement of air relative to the surface of the Earth. It is caused by differences in atmospheric pressure, which can occur due to various factors, including temperature variations, the Earth's rotation, and geographical features. When air is heated, it expands and becomes less dense, causing it to rise. Cooler air, being denser, will move in to take its place, creating wind.
Wind direction refers to the direction from which the wind is blowing. It is typically measured in degrees from true north (0 degrees) and expressed in cardinal terms (e.g., north, south, east, west) or more specifically in terms of points on a compass (e.g., northeast, southeast). For instance: - A wind coming from the north would be referred to as a "north wind." - A wind coming from the east would be labeled as an "east wind.
"Winterline" could refer to different concepts depending on the context. Here are a few possibilities: 1. **Seasonal Terminology**: In a meteorological context, it might refer to the line or boundary that delineates the areas experiencing winter from those that do not. This often relates to geographical considerations like climate zones. 2. **Cultural Event**: It might refer to a specific event or festival associated with winter activities, such as skiing or winter sports.
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