Chapter 15 moisture precipitation and clouds

Front

What does it mean if the air is 'saturated'?

Back

The air is full of water.

Front

What is the process of adiabatic cooling?

Back

An air mass cools as it expands.

Front

What is the most common form of precipitation?

Back

Rain.

Front

What weather variable can be determined using a psychrometer?

Back

Relative humidity.

Front

Which type of cloud is associated with heavy rains and thunderstorms?

Back

Cumulonimbus.

Front

Define humidity.

Back

The amount of water vapor present in the air.

Front

What is the difference between relative humidity and absolute humidity?

Back

Relative humidity is the percentage of moisture in the air compared to the maximum amount it can hold at a given temperature, while absolute humidity is the actual amount of water vapor in a given volume of air.

Front

What role do clouds play in the water cycle?

Back

Clouds are formed from condensed water vapor and are essential for precipitation, returning water to the Earth's surface.

Front

What is the significance of the dew point?

Back

The dew point is the temperature at which air becomes saturated with moisture, leading to condensation.

Front

Explain the term 'precipitation'.

Back

Precipitation is any form of water, liquid or solid, that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface.