Earth Science Weather Basics Flashcard

Front

What are the two major greenhouse gases that human industrialization has contributed to the atmosphere?

Back

Methane and Carbon Dioxide.

Front

What does a rising barometer typically indicate in terms of weather conditions?

Back

Improving weather conditions or fair weather (sunny day).

Front

What is a psychrometer used to measure?

Back

Relative humidity and dewpoint.

Front

What causes wind?

Back

The gradient in difference between two pressure systems (when High and Low pressure systems are close to each other).

Front

Which instrument is primarily used to measure wind speed?

Back

Anemometer.

Front

What is the definition of greenhouse gases?

Back

Gases in the atmosphere that trap heat, contributing to the greenhouse effect.

Front

What is the greenhouse effect?

Back

The warming of Earth's surface due to the trapping of heat by greenhouse gases.

Front

What is air pressure?

Back

The force exerted onto a surface by the weight of the air above that surface in the atmosphere.

Front

What is relative humidity?

Back

The amount of moisture in the air compared to the maximum amount of moisture the air can hold at that temperature.

Front

What is dewpoint?

Back

The temperature at which air becomes saturated with moisture and water vapor begins to condense.