Beaufort Scale
To assess wind velocity, Admiral Sir Francis Beaufort introduced the Beaufort wind speed scale in 1805, originally designed for maritime use. However, due to its widespread popularity, it quickly found application on land as well
Jet Stream: Meaning, Definitions, Discovery, Characteristics & Index Cycle
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, ‘Jet streams are relatively narrow bands of strong wind in the upper levels of the atmosphere, typically occurring around 30,000 feet (9,100 meters) in elevation’.
Tornado: Meaning, Structure, Characteristics, Geographical Distribution, Weather Conditions, Watch & Warning
According to the National Weather Service (NOAA) “A tornado is a violently rotating column of air extending from the base of a thunderstorm down to the ground. Tornadoes are capable of completely destroying well-made structures, uprooting trees, and hurling objects through the air like deadly missiles.
Understand the Mechanisms of Heating and Cooling of the Atmosphere
The heating and cooling of the atmosphere is accomplished through the processes of direct absorption of solar radiation, conduction, terrestrial radiation, convection, condensation, adiabatic mechanism etc.
Understanding Earth’s Four Spheres: A Unique and Interconnected System
Earth is an incredible planet with a vast surface spanning 500 million square kilometers (193 million square miles). This surface is divided into four major systems that interact and shape our environment. These systems are not separate entities but rather interconnected spheres, forming a complex web of life.
The Origin and Evolution of Earth’s Atmosphere
The early Earth’s atmosphere was believed to be devoid of free oxygen. The production of molecular oxygen (O2) occurred after the development of photosynthesizing organisms, primarily through two processes: photochemical dissociation and photosynthesis.
Types of Climatology
Physical Climatology, also referred to as dynamic climatology, delves into the exploration of factors that contribute to the spatial and temporal variations in air circulation, heat, and humidity. It examines an array of weather elements such as sunlight (insolation), temperature, air pressure, wind, evaporation, humidity, precipitation, fog, and visibility. The combinations of these elements give rise to diverse climatic conditions.
Causes of Climate Change
Causes of Climate Change A climate change indicates a change in the general circulation of the atmosphere on which climate ultimately depends, but the climate does not include the atmosphere only but also consists of the hydrosphere, biosphere, lithosphere, and cryosphere. The climatic system is also subjected to extra-terrestrial influences particularly, that of the Sun. […]
Classification of Clouds
Introduction The aggregates of water droplets or ice or both formed as a result of the condensation of water vapor in the atmosphere at different heights is called a cloud. There is continuous evaporation from the earth’s surface. Thus, the water, which is completely transparent and invisible, merges in the air. Then, this moist air […]
Structure of the Atmosphere
The atmosphere has a great thickness around the earth’s surface. Its thickness or height above the earth’s surface is not still well known. However, based on information from sounding, balloons, radar, satellites, rocks- etc., the altitude of the atmosphere is estimated up to 10,000 km from sea level.
Composition of the Atmosphere
Earth’s atmosphere consists of different types of materials such as solids, liquids, and gases. These elements in the atmosphere have their definitive share in the composition of the atmosphere and play an important role in controlling human activities on planet Earth.
Significance of the Atmosphere
Atmosphere: Meaning The atmosphere is a multi-layered gaseous cover that surrounds the earth and is an important component of the natural environment and Biospheric ecosystem because it contains all the necessary gases, heat, and water for the existence of all living beings in the biosphere. This multi-layered gaseous cover is hanging near to the surface […]