Water in the Atmosphere Weather and Climate Day 3

Objectives Today I will be able to: – ___________the most important ________in the atmosphere. – Compare and contrast _____________and ____________________________

Key Points - Moisture Water vapor is the most important gas for understanding atmospheric processes. Water vapor makes up 0-4 % of atmospheric gases. Air that has reached its water vapor capacity is said to be saturated. Warm, saturated air contains more water vapor than cold air. Relative humidity is the ratio of air’s water-vapor content to its capacity to hold water vapor at that same temperature.

Water in the Atmosphere Water exists in three different forms. What are they? 1._________Examples: _____________________ 2._________ Examples: _____________________ 3._________ Examples: _____________________ How do each of these forms of water influence weather?

Water in the Atmosphere When it comes to understanding ________________________, water ______ is the most important ______in the atmosphere. Why do you think water vapor is so important?

Water in the Atmosphere Even though water vapor is important, it only makes up from ________% of the atmospheric gases. When have you felt water vapor at close to 4%? What about 0%? How do you know? – Water vapor is the ______________that you ___________in the ___________!

Water in the Atmosphere What do you think the word “SATURATED” means? What do you think it would mean if air is Saturated? Air that has _________________________ __ _____________________is said to be saturated.

Water in the Atmosphere ____________, saturated air contains ___________ water vapor than cold air. When have you noticed the humidity more, in the summer or in the winter? That’s because ____________________can hold _____________________!

Water in the Atmosphere Relative humidity is the ________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ Relative humidity indicates __________the air is to saturation, _______the actual quantity of water vapor in the air. Relative Humidity _____________________. __________air _______________its relative humidity.

Water in the Atmosphere Relative Humidity – Why does lowering the air temperature cause Relative humidity to increase? – Because colder air ________________as much water vapor! Why does increasing air temperature cause relative humidity to decrease? – Because warm air can ____________water vapor and it will take more water vapor for it to become _____________________.

Check In Questions Answer the following questions: 1.What gas is most important for understanding atmospheric processes? 2.Water vapor makes up what fraction of atmospheric gases? 3.Which holds more water vapor: warm air or cool air? 4. Henderson has a humid climate. What are evidences of humidity that you have seen? 5. How is the humidity different from the summertime to the wintertime? 6.Why is the air in buildings so dry in the winter?

Matching- answer A, B or C for each of the situations. Situation 1.Water vapor is added 2.Air temperature decreases 3.Water vapor is removed 4.Air temperature increases Change in Relative Humidity: A. Increases B. No change C. Decreases

Venn Diagram Compare and contrast Saturation with Relative Humidity. Include at least one thing in each circle.

Measuring Moisture Invent a machine that measures Relative Humidity and Water Saturation in the air. 1.Draw a picture of the machine 2.Write a detailed description of how the machine works. 3.Create instructions for how to use the machine. You will be judged based on creativity and neatness. Be specific about how it works!