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).