Meteorology The Atmosphere

Reference From the Ground Up Chapter 6.1: The Atmosphere Pages 123 - 124

Introduction Meteorology is the study of the Earth’s atmosphere and the weather which occurs in it. It’s important for pilots to know about the weather since aircraft are much more dependent on it than ground-based vehicles.

Outline Properties Divisions Standard Atmosphere

Properties Composition: 78% nitrogen 21% oxygen 1% other = Argon, carbon dioxide, water vapour, etc Water vapour is most important component in terms of weather Properties of atmosphere (cause most weather): Mobility Compression Expansion (most important)

Stratosphere Mesosphere Thermosphere EQUATOR N S Troposphere

Divisions Troposphere Stratosphere Temperature and pressure decrease Where most weather occurs Almost twice as wide at equator than poles Top layer is Tropopause Stratosphere Temperature increases to 0°C due to Ozone Layer Almost no water vapour or air currents Top layer is Stratopause

Divisions Mesosphere Thermosphere Exosphere Temperature decreases to -100°C Top Layer is Mesopause Thermosphere Temperature increases indefinitely Includes Ionosphere, which reflects certain radio signals Exosphere Pressure drops to vacuum Auroras form Merges into Space

Standard Atmosphere ICAO standard atmosphere Air is perfectly dry gas MSL pressure = 29.92” Hg = 1013.2 hPa = 1013.2 mb = 101.3 kPa MSL temperature = 15°C Lapse rate = 1.98°C per 1000 ft

Next Lesson 4.2 – Meteorology Clouds From the Ground Up Chapter 6.2: Pages 124 - 127