Chapter3 Flashcards
(36 cards)
What is temperature?
measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance
Three main temperature scales
Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin.
What is absolute zero in Kelvin?
0 Kelvin.
What is the relationship between Kelvin and Celsius?
K = C + 273.15 K
Why do we use absolute zero as a reference point in temperature scales?
A: It represents the lowest possible temperature, where molecular motion stops.
What is an inversion layer?
A layer where temperature increases with altitude, trapping pollutants near the surface.
What is the phenomenon called when ground-level temperatures are cooler than those at higher altitudes?
Temperature inversion.
What is meant by “latitude” in relation to temperature?
Latitude refers to the distance from the equator, affecting solar radiation received and thus influencing temperature.
What role does vegetation play in temperature regulation?
Vegetation can moderate temperature through shade and evapotranspiration, cooling the air around it.
How does the angle of sunlight impact temperature?
The angle of sunlight affects the intensity of solar radiation; lower angles (near the poles) result in cooler temperatures.
What is the impact of topography on temperature?
Mountains can create rain shadows, affecting local temperatures, and slopes can vary in temperature based on exposure to sunlight.
What is sensible heat flux?
The transfer of heat between the Earth’s surface and the atmosphere that results in a change in temperature but not in phase.
What is the difference between sensible heat and latent heat?
Sensible heat is associated with temperature changes, while latent heat is related to phase changes (e.g., evaporation or condensation) without temperature change.
How does sensible heat flux vary between land and water surfaces?
Sensible heat flux is typically higher over land due to greater temperature differences, while water bodies exhibit lower flux due to their high specific heat capacity.
What factors influence sensible heat flux?
Key factors include surface temperature, air temperature, wind speed, and atmospheric pressure.
How does atmospheric stability influence sensible heat flux?
In stable conditions, sensible heat flux is lower due to less vertical mixing; in unstable conditions, it is higher due to enhanced convection.
What role does vegetation play in latent heat flux?
Vegetation increases latent heat flux through transpiration, which cools the air and affects local humidity.
How does temperature affect latent heat flux?
Higher temperatures generally increase the rate of evaporation, thus increasing latent heat flux.
When does Spring begin in the Northern Hemisphere?
Around March 20-21, during the Spring Equinox.
What marks the beginning of Summer in the Northern Hemisphere?
The Summer Solstice, which occurs around June 21.
What is the phenomenon of “midnight sun”?
A natural phenomenon occurring in summer months at latitudes above the Arctic Circle, where the Sun remains visible at midnight.
How do the seasons differ between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres?
When it is summer in the Northern Hemisphere, it is winter in the Southern Hemisphere, and vice versa.
When does Summer begin in the Southern Hemisphere?
Around December 21 (Summer Solstice).
When does Spring begin in the Southern Hemisphere?
Around September 22-23 (Spring Equinox).
