Meteorology

Meteorology is the study of atmospheric phenomena. The word meteor means “high in the air”. The atmosphere is high in the air, isn’t it? Meteorology is the study of atmospheric phenomena.

Types of meteors (what is in the atmosphere) Hydrometeors – “water” that is “high in the air” Ex: Clouds that hold water Lithometeors – “rock” that is “high in the air” Ex: Smoke, haze, dust, and condensation nuclei Electrometeors – “electricity” that is “high in the air” Ex: Thunder and lightning or audible electricity

Weather Weather is the current (short-term) state of the atmosphere Ex: It is sunny today, it will rain tomorrow.

Climate Climate describes the average weather over a long (usually 30+ year) period of time

Why is it colder at the poles? When the sun hits you straight on it is concentrated and hot Ex: At noon, or tropical locations When the sun hits you at an angle it is cooler, since the heat is spread out over a larger area Ex: At sunset, or polar regions

Air Masses An air mass is a large body of air that takes on the characteristics of the area over which it forms. Air masses formed over land are usually dry Those over oceans are usually wet That is why they are classified according to source region.

Air Mass Classification Air masses formed over land: continental tropical (cT) = dry and warm continental polar (cP) = dry and cold …formed over oceans/seas: maritime tropical (mT) = humid and warm maritime polar (mP) = humid and cold …formed over the arctic: arctic (A)

Air mass modification is the exchange of heat or moisture with the surface over which an air mass travels.