☁️

Understanding Atmospheric Variables in Weather

Apr 30, 2025

Keynote: Atmospheric Variables

Introduction

  • Weather prediction relies on understanding various atmospheric variables.

Temperature

  • Defined as the heat energy present in the atmosphere at a given location.
  • Influences on temperature include:
    • Solar Radiation
    • Angle of Insolation (incidence of sunlight)
    • Hours of Daylight
    • Atmospheric Reflection

Air Pressure

  • Described as the force exerted by air on a given area, equally in all directions.
  • Air is composed of fast-moving, widely spaced molecules.
  • Air pressure characteristics:
    • Increases as elevation decreases.
    • Decreases as elevation increases.

Air Currents

  • Involves the movement of air either rising or sinking, perpendicular to the ground.
  • Wind: Horizontal movement of air parallel to the Earth's surface.
    • Moves from areas of high pressure to low pressure.

Sea Breeze

  • Occurs during the day when land heats up faster than water, creating a low-pressure zone over the land.
  • Wind direction: High pressure (water) to low pressure (land).

Land Breeze

  • Occurs at night when land cools faster than water, creating a low-pressure zone over the water.
  • Wind direction: High pressure (land) to low pressure (water).