Weather vs Climate Duration of events is key Which leaves a record?

Heat transfer occurs by: –Conduction – atomic or molecular transfer –Convection – mass movement –Radiation – wave-like energy emitted

Annual energy flow

Variations in air pressure With increased altitude

Relative contribution of greenhouse gases to global warming

Role of variable gases and how they change –Carbon dioxide Anthropogenic sources Natural sources –Water vapor Air temp controls amounts in atmosphere –Ozone –Shield to UV rays –Attacked by CFCs and freon –Methane Decay of organic material; coal mines; animals –Halocarbons Cl, F and Br compounds; anthropogenic –Aerosols [microscopic liquids and solids] Desert dust, wildfires, volcanic gases

Significant temperature changes in last 130 years

Oceanic conveyor belt

Polar jet Concave south Concave north

Note differences

Stages of development are distinct

Generation of electrical charges is key

Thunderstorm facts About 16 million occur worldwide each year Florida has about 100 thunderstorm days per year; Uganda has about 240 1,800 occur at any given moment All produce lightning; severe storms produce hail which can travel up to 100 mph

All regions experience some activity

Storms that produced hail having an avg diameter > ¾ in

Lightning deaths during period

Organizational stage <20% of supercells generate tornadoes

Mature stage, up to 1 mile wide at base; form on trailing edge of supercell

Monthly average of tornadoes in U.S.,

Super outbreak of Apr 1974

Tornado deaths, by state