1. Meteorology The Atmosphere

2. Reference
From the Ground Up Chapter 6.1: The Atmosphere Pages

3. 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.

4. Outline
Properties
Divisions
Standard Atmosphere

5. 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)

6. Stratosphere
Mesosphere
Thermosphere
EQUATOR N S
Troposphere

7. 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

8. 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

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

10. Next Lesson
4.2 – Meteorology Clouds From the Ground Up Chapter 6.2: Pages