Chapter 2 Fundamentals of Atmospheric Modeling
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Air Pressure
Name ____________________________________ Date __________ Class ___________________ SECTION 15-3 SECTION SUMMARY Air Pressure Guide for ir consists of atoms and molecules that have mass. Therefore, air has Reading A mass. Because air has mass, it also has other properties, includ- ing density and pressure. The amount of mass per unit volume of a N What are some of substance is called the density of the substance. The force per unit area the properties of air? is called pressure. Air pressure is the result of the weight of a column of N What instruments air pushing down on an area. The molecules in air push in all directions. are used to mea- This is why air pressure doesn’t crush objects. sure air pressure? Falling air pressure usually indicates that a storm is approaching. Rising N How does increas- air pressure usually means that the weather is clearing. A ing altitude affect barometer is an instrument that measures changes in air pressure. There air pressure and are two kinds of barometers: mercury barometers and aneroid density? barometers. A mercury barometer consists of a glass tube open at the bottom end and partially filled with mercury. The open end of the tube rests in a dish of mercury, and the space above the mercury in the tube contains no air. The air pressure pushing down on the surface of the mer- cury in the dish is equal to the weight of the column of mercury in the tube. At sea level, the mercury column is about 76 centimeters high, on average. An aneroid barometer has an airtight metal chamber that is sen- sitive to changes in air pressure. -
Chapter 8 Atmospheric Statics and Stability
Chapter 8 Atmospheric Statics and Stability 1. The Hydrostatic Equation • HydroSTATIC – dw/dt = 0! • Represents the balance between the upward directed pressure gradient force and downward directed gravity. ρ = const within this slab dp A=1 dz Force balance p-dp ρ p g d z upward pressure gradient force = downward force by gravity • p=F/A. A=1 m2, so upward force on bottom of slab is p, downward force on top is p-dp, so net upward force is dp. • Weight due to gravity is F=mg=ρgdz • Force balance: dp/dz = -ρg 2. Geopotential • Like potential energy. It is the work done on a parcel of air (per unit mass, to raise that parcel from the ground to a height z. • dφ ≡ gdz, so • Geopotential height – used as vertical coordinate often in synoptic meteorology. ≡ φ( 2 • Z z)/go (where go is 9.81 m/s ). • Note: Since gravity decreases with height (only slightly in troposphere), geopotential height Z will be a little less than actual height z. 3. The Hypsometric Equation and Thickness • Combining the equation for geopotential height with the ρ hydrostatic equation and the equation of state p = Rd Tv, • Integrating and assuming a mean virtual temp (so it can be a constant and pulled outside the integral), we get the hypsometric equation: • For a given mean virtual temperature, this equation allows for calculation of the thickness of the layer between 2 given pressure levels. • For two given pressure levels, the thickness is lower when the virtual temperature is lower, (ie., denser air). • Since thickness is readily calculated from radiosonde measurements, it provides an excellent forecasting tool. -
Effect of Tropospheric Air Density and Dew Point Temperature on Radio (Electromagnetic) Waves and Air Radio Wave Refractivity
International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, Volume 7, Issue 6, June-2016 356 ISSN 2229-5518 Effect of Tropospheric Air density and dew point temperature on Radio (Electromagnetic) waves and Air radio wave refractivity <Joseph Amajama> University of Calabar, Department of Physics, Electronics and Computer Technology Unit Etta-agbor, Calabar, Nigeria [email protected] Abstract: Signal strengths measurements were obtained half hourly for some hours and simultaneously, the atmospheric components: atmospheric temperature, atmospheric pressure, relative humidity and wind direction and speed were registered to erect the effects of air density and dew point temperature on radio signals (electromagnetic waves) as they travel through the atmosphere and air radio wave refractivity. The signal strength from Cross River State Broadcasting Co-operation Television (CRBC-TV), (4057'54.7''N, 8019'43.7''E) transmitted at 35mdB and 519.25 MHz (UHF) were measured using a Cable TV analyzer in a residence along Ettaabgor, Calabar, Nigeria (4057'31.7''N, 8020'49.7''E) using the digital Community – Access (Cable) Television (CATV) analyzer with 24 channels, spectrum 46 – 870 MHz, connected to a domestic receiver antenna of height 4.23 m. Results show that: on the condition that the wind speed and direction are the same or (0 mph NA), the radio signal strength is near negligibly directly proportional to the air density, mathematically Ss / ∂a1.3029 = K, where Ss is Signal Strength in dB, ∂a is Density of air Kg/m3 and K is constant; radio -
Comparison Between Observed Convective Cloud-Base Heights and Lifting Condensation Level for Two Different Lifted Parcels
AUGUST 2002 NOTES AND CORRESPONDENCE 885 Comparison between Observed Convective Cloud-Base Heights and Lifting Condensation Level for Two Different Lifted Parcels JEFFREY P. C RAVEN AND RYAN E. JEWELL NOAA/NWS/Storm Prediction Center, Norman, Oklahoma HAROLD E. BROOKS NOAA/National Severe Storms Laboratory, Norman, Oklahoma 6 January 2002 and 16 April 2002 ABSTRACT Approximately 400 Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) observations of convective cloud-base heights at 2300 UTC were collected from April through August of 2001. These observations were compared with lifting condensation level (LCL) heights above ground level determined by 0000 UTC rawinsonde soundings from collocated upper-air sites. The LCL heights were calculated using both surface-based parcels (SBLCL) and mean-layer parcels (MLLCLÐusing mean temperature and dewpoint in lowest 100 hPa). The results show that the mean error for the MLLCL heights was substantially less than for SBLCL heights, with SBLCL heights consistently lower than observed cloud bases. These ®ndings suggest that the mean-layer parcel is likely more representative of the actual parcel associated with convective cloud development, which has implications for calculations of thermodynamic parameters such as convective available potential energy (CAPE) and convective inhibition. In addition, the median value of surface-based CAPE (SBCAPE) was more than 2 times that of the mean-layer CAPE (MLCAPE). Thus, caution is advised when considering surface-based thermodynamic indices, despite the assumed presence of a well-mixed afternoon boundary layer. 1. Introduction dry-adiabatic temperature pro®le (constant potential The lifting condensation level (LCL) has long been temperature in the mixed layer) and a moisture pro®le used to estimate boundary layer cloud heights (e.g., described by a constant mixing ratio. -
Air Infiltration Glossary (English Edition)
AIRGLOSS: Air Infiltration Glossary (English Edition) Carolyn Allen ~)Copyrlght Oscar Faber Partnership 1981. All property rights, Including copyright ere vested In the Operating Agent (The Oscar Faber Partnership) on behalf of the International Energy Agency. In particular, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permluion of the operat- ing agent. Contents (i) Preface (iii) Introduction (v) Umr's Guide (v) Glossary Appendix 1 - References 87 Appendix 2 - Tracer Gases 93 Appendix 3 - Abbreviations 99 Appendix 4 - Units 103 (i) (il) Preface International Energy Agency In order to strengthen cooperation In the vital area of energy policy, an Agreement on an International Energy Program was formulated among a number of industrialised countries In November 1974. The International Energy Agency (lEA) was established as an autonomous body within the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to administer that agreement. Twenty-one countries are currently members of the lEA, with the Commission of the European Communities participating under a special arrangement. As one element of the International Energy Program, the Participants undertake cooperative activities in energy research, development, and demonstration. A number of new and improved energy technologies which have the potential of making significant contributions to our energy needs were identified for collaborative efforts. The lEA Committee on Energy Research and Development (CRD), assisted by a small Secretariat staff, coordinates the energy research, development, and demonstration programme. Energy Conservation in Buildings and Community Systems The International Energy Agency sponsors research and development in a number of areas related to energy. -
MSE3 Ch14 Thunderstorms
Chapter 14 Copyright © 2011, 2015 by Roland Stull. Meteorology for Scientists and Engineers, 3rd Ed. thunderstorms Contents Thunderstorms are among the most violent and difficult-to-predict weath- Thunderstorm Characteristics 481 er elements. Yet, thunderstorms can be Appearance 482 14 studied. They can be probed with radar and air- Clouds Associated with Thunderstorms 482 craft, and simulated in a laboratory or by computer. Cells & Evolution 484 They form in the air, and must obey the laws of fluid Thunderstorm Types & Organization 486 mechanics and thermodynamics. Basic Storms 486 Thunderstorms are also beautiful and majestic. Mesoscale Convective Systems 488 Supercell Thunderstorms 492 In thunderstorms, aesthetics and science merge, making them fascinating to study and chase. Thunderstorm Formation 496 Convective Conditions 496 Thunderstorm characteristics, formation, and Key Altitudes 496 forecasting are covered in this chapter. The next chapter covers thunderstorm hazards including High Humidity in the ABL 499 hail, gust fronts, lightning, and tornadoes. Instability, CAPE & Updrafts 503 CAPE 503 Updraft Velocity 508 Wind Shear in the Environment 509 Hodograph Basics 510 thunderstorm CharaCteristiCs Using Hodographs 514 Shear Across a Single Layer 514 Thunderstorms are convective clouds Mean Wind Shear Vector 514 with large vertical extent, often with tops near the Total Shear Magnitude 515 tropopause and bases near the top of the boundary Mean Environmental Wind (Normal Storm Mo- layer. Their official name is cumulonimbus (see tion) 516 the Clouds Chapter), for which the abbreviation is Supercell Storm Motion 518 Bulk Richardson Number 521 Cb. On weather maps the symbol represents thunderstorms, with a dot •, asterisk , or triangle Triggering vs. Convective Inhibition 522 * ∆ drawn just above the top of the symbol to indicate Convective Inhibition (CIN) 523 Trigger Mechanisms 525 rain, snow, or hail, respectively. -
Potential Vorticity
POTENTIAL VORTICITY Roger K. Smith March 3, 2003 Contents 1 Potential Vorticity Thinking - How might it help the fore- caster? 2 1.1Introduction............................ 2 1.2WhatisPV-thinking?...................... 4 1.3Examplesof‘PV-thinking’.................... 7 1.3.1 A thought-experiment for understanding tropical cy- clonemotion........................ 7 1.3.2 Kelvin-Helmholtz shear instability . ......... 9 1.3.3 Rossby wave propagation in a β-planechannel..... 12 1.4ThestructureofEPVintheatmosphere............ 13 1.4.1 Isentropicpotentialvorticitymaps........... 14 1.4.2 The vertical structure of upper-air PV anomalies . 18 2 A Potential Vorticity view of cyclogenesis 21 2.1PreliminaryIdeas......................... 21 2.2SurfacelayersofPV....................... 21 2.3Potentialvorticitygradientwaves................ 23 2.4 Baroclinic Instability . .................... 28 2.5 Applications to understanding cyclogenesis . ......... 30 3 Invertibility, iso-PV charts, diabatic and frictional effects. 33 3.1 Invertibility of EPV ........................ 33 3.2Iso-PVcharts........................... 33 3.3Diabaticandfrictionaleffects.................. 34 3.4Theeffectsofdiabaticheatingoncyclogenesis......... 36 3.5Thedemiseofcutofflowsandblockinganticyclones...... 36 3.6AdvantageofPVanalysisofcutofflows............. 37 3.7ThePVstructureoftropicalcyclones.............. 37 1 Chapter 1 Potential Vorticity Thinking - How might it help the forecaster? 1.1 Introduction A review paper on the applications of Potential Vorticity (PV-) concepts by Brian -
Calculation Exercises with Answers and Solutions
Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics Calculation Exercises Contents Exercise A, chapter 1 - 3 in Jacob …………………………………………………… 2 Exercise B, chapter 4, 6 in Jacob …………………………………………………… 6 Exercise C, chapter 7, 8 in Jacob, OH on aerosols and booklet by Heintzenberg … 11 Exercise D, chapter 9 in Jacob………………………………………………………. 16 Exercise E, chapter 10 in Jacob……………………………………………………… 20 Exercise F, chapter 11 - 13 in Jacob………………………………………………… 24 Answers and solutions …………………………………………………………………. 29 Note that approximately 40% of the written exam deals with calculations. The remainder is about understanding of the theory. Exercises marked with an asterisk (*) are for the most interested students. These exercises are more comprehensive and/or difficult than questions appearing in the written exam. 1 Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics – Exercise A, chap. 1 – 3 Recommended activity before exercise: Try to solve 1:1 – 1:5, 2:1 – 2:2 and 3:1 – 3:2. Summary: Concentration Example Advantage Number density No. molecules/m3, Useful for calculations of reaction kmol/m3 rates in the gas phase Partial pressure Useful measure on the amount of a substance that easily can be converted to mixing ratio Mixing ratio ppmv can mean e.g. Concentration relative to the mole/mole or partial concentration of air molecules. Very pressure/total pressure useful because air is compressible. Ideal gas law: PV = nRT Molar mass: M = m/n Density: ρ = m/V = PM/RT; (from the two equations above) Mixing ratio (vol): Cx = nx/na = Px/Pa ≠ mx/ma Number density: Cvol = nNav/V 26 -1 Avogadro’s -
CE-087 Calculation of Gas Density and Viscosity
CE‐087 Calculation of Gas Density and Viscosity Instructor: Harlan Bengtson, PhD, P.E. Course ID: CE‐087 PDH Hours: 2 PDH PDH Star | T / F: (833) PDH‐STAR (734‐7827) | E: [email protected] Calculation of Gas Density and Viscosity Harlan H. Bengtson, PhD, P.E. COURSE CONTENT 1. Introduction The density and/or viscosity of a gas is often needed for some other calculation, such as pipe flow or heat exchanger calculations. This course contains discussion of, and example calculation of, the density and viscosity of a specified gas at a given temperature and pressure. If the gas temperature is high relative to its critical temperature and the gas pressure is low relative to its critical pressure, then it can be treated as an ideal gas and its density can be calculated at a specified temperature and pressure using the ideal gas law. If the density of a gas is needed at a temperature and pressure at which it cannot be treated as an ideal gas law, however, then the compressibility factor of the gas must be calculated and used in calculating its density. In this course, the Redlich Kwong equation will be used for calculation of the compressibility factor of a gas. The Sutherland formula can be used to calculate the viscosity of a gas at a specified temperature and pressure if the Sutherland constants are available for the gas. It will be discussed and used in example calculations. Another method for calculating the viscosity of air at a specified temperature and pressure will also be presented and discussed. -
Use Nitrogen Safely
Safety Use Nitrogen Safely Paul Yanisko Understanding the potential hazards and Dennis Croll Air Products taking the proper precautions will allow you to reap such benefits as improved product quality and enhanced process safety. itrogen is valued both as a gas for its inert prop- Nitrogen does not support combustion, and at standard erties and as a liquid for cooling and freezing. conditions is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, nonirritating, NBecause of its unique properties, it is used in and inert gas. But, while seemingly harmless, there are haz- a wide range of applications and industries to improve ards associated with the use of nitrogen that require aware- yields, optimize performance, protect product quality, and ness, caution, and proper handling procedures. This article make operations safer (1). discusses those hazards and outlines the precautions that Nitrogen makes up 78% of the atmosphere, with the bal- must be taken to achieve the benefits of using nitrogen in the ance being primarily oxygen (roughly 21%). Most nitrogen safest possible manner. is produced by fractional distillation of liquid air in large plants called air separation units (ASUs). Pressure-swing Nitrogen applications adsorption (PSA) and membrane technologies are also used Many operations in chemical plants, petroleum refin- to produce nitrogen. Nitrogen can be liquefied at very low eries, and other industrial facilities use nitrogen gas to temperatures, and large volumes of liquid nitrogen can be purge equipment, tanks, and pipelines of vapors and gases. effectively transported and stored. Nitrogen gas is also used to maintain an inert and protective atmosphere in tanks storing flammable liquids or air-sensi- tive materials. -
Thunderstorm Predictors and Their Forecast Skill for the Netherlands
Atmospheric Research 67–68 (2003) 273–299 www.elsevier.com/locate/atmos Thunderstorm predictors and their forecast skill for the Netherlands Alwin J. Haklander, Aarnout Van Delden* Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Utrecht University, Princetonplein 5, 3584 CC Utrecht, The Netherlands Accepted 28 March 2003 Abstract Thirty-two different thunderstorm predictors, derived from rawinsonde observations, have been evaluated specifically for the Netherlands. For each of the 32 thunderstorm predictors, forecast skill as a function of the chosen threshold was determined, based on at least 10280 six-hourly rawinsonde observations at De Bilt. Thunderstorm activity was monitored by the Arrival Time Difference (ATD) lightning detection and location system from the UK Met Office. Confidence was gained in the ATD data by comparing them with hourly surface observations (thunder heard) for 4015 six-hour time intervals and six different detection radii around De Bilt. As an aside, we found that a detection radius of 20 km (the distance up to which thunder can usually be heard) yielded an optimum in the correlation between the observation and the detection of lightning activity. The dichotomous predictand was chosen to be any detected lightning activity within 100 km from De Bilt during the 6 h following a rawinsonde observation. According to the comparison of ATD data with present weather data, 95.5% of the observed thunderstorms at De Bilt were also detected within 100 km. By using verification parameters such as the True Skill Statistic (TSS) and the Heidke Skill Score (Heidke), optimal thresholds and relative forecast skill for all thunderstorm predictors have been evaluated. -
1 Module 4 Water Vapour in the Atmosphere 4.1 Statement of The
Module 4 Water Vapour in the Atmosphere 4.1 Statement of the General Meteorological Problem D. Brunt (1941) in his book Physical and Dynamical Meteorology has stated, “The main problem to be discussed in connection to the thermodynamics of the moist air is the variation of temperature produced by changes of pressure, which in the atmosphere are associated with vertical motion. When damp air ascends, it must eventually attain saturation, and further ascent produces condensation, at first in the form of water drops, and as snow in the later stages”. This statement of the problem emphasizes the role of vertical ascends in producing condensation of water vapour. However, several text books and papers discuss this problem on the assumption that products of condensation are carried with the ascending air current and the process is strictly reversible; meaning that if the damp air and water drops or snow are again brought downwards, the evaporation of water drops or snow uses up the same amount of latent heat as it was liberated by condensation on the upward path of the air. Another assumption is that the drops fall out as the damp air ascends but then the process is not reversible, and Von Bezold (1883) termed it as a pseudo-adiabatic process. It must be pointed out that if the products of condensation are retained in the ascending current, the mathematical treatment is easier in comparison to the pseudo-adiabatic case. There are four stages that can be discussed in connection to the ascent of moist air. (a) The air is saturated; (b) The air is saturated and contains water drops at a temperature above the freezing-point; (c) All the water drops freeze into ice at 0°C; (d) Saturated air and ice at temperatures below 0°C.