Chapter 3.
Atmospheric moisture
(air humidity, hydrologic cycle, precipitation, cloud, fog, mist, dew, wind, air
masses and fronts, El Nino and La Nino)
3.1. Air Humidity
Absolute, specific, mixing ratio and relative humidity
3.2. Hydrological Cycle (Atmospheric Water Balance)
3.2.1. Evaporation, transpiration and evapotranspiration (ETP)
3.2.2. Condensation
3.2.3. Clouds
3.2.4. Precipitation
3.3. Clouds
3.3.1. Dew, fog and cloud
3.3.2. Development and formation of clouds
3.3.3. Classification of clouds
3.4. Precipitation
3.4.1. Origin, forms and types
3.4.2. Seasonal and spatial distribution 3.4.3. Variability and intensity
3.5. Air Masses and Fronts
3.5.1. Air masses
3.5.2. Fronts
3.5.3. Weather forecasting
1. Introduction to Atmospheric Moisture
Definition: Atmospheric moisture refers to the water vapor present in the Earth's
atmosphere. It plays a crucial role in weather and climate.
Importance: It influences weather patterns, climate variability, and is a key component in
the water cycle.
2. Sources of Atmospheric Moisture
Evaporation: Water from oceans, lakes, rivers, and soil surfaces turns into vapor.
Transpiration: Release of water vapor from plants into the atmosphere.
Sublimation: Ice or snow directly converting into vapor without becoming liquid.
3. Properties of Water Vapor
Humidity: The amount of water vapor in the air, expressed as:
Absolute Humidity: Mass of water vapor per unit volume of air (g/m³).
Relative Humidity: Ratio of current absolute humidity to the highest possible
absolute humidity at a given temperature, expressed as a percentage.
Specific Humidity: Mass of water vapor per unit mass of air (g/kg).
Dew Point: The temperature at which air becomes saturated and condensation begins.
4. Measurement of Atmospheric Moisture
Hygrometers: Instruments that measure humidity.
Psychrometers: Comprising wet and dry-bulb thermometers to calculate relative
humidity.
Satellite Remote Sensing: Analyses moisture content in the atmosphere from space.
5. Role in Weather and Climate
Cloud Formation: Water vapor cools and condenses into clouds, promoting
precipitation.
Heat Transfer: Water vapor absorbs heat, helping to regulate Earth's temperatures
(greenhouse effect).
Weather Patterns: Influences storms, hurricanes, and overall climatic conditions.
6. The Water Cycle
Processes:
1. Evaporation: Water turns to vapor.
2. Condensation: Water vapor cools and forms clouds.
3. Precipitation: Rain, snow, sleet, or hail falls to the ground.
4. Infiltration: Water seeps into the ground and returns to bodies of water.
Importance of the Water Cycle: Maintains the distribution of water across the globe.
7. Climate Change and Atmospheric Moisture
Increased temperatures lead to higher evaporation rates, resulting in more moisture in the
atmosphere.
Consequences include more intense storms, altered precipitation patterns, and impacts on
ecosystems.
Conclusion
Atmospheric moisture is integral to understanding weather, climate, and environmental
processes.
Ongoing research in meteorology and climate science aims to better predict changes and
impacts related to atmospheric moisture.
References for Further Reading:
1. Atmospheric Science: An Introductory Survey" by Wallace & Hobbs.
2. Meteorology: Understanding the Atmosphere" by Steven J. McFadden et al.
3. NOAA and other meteorological websites for up-to-date findings.
3.1. Air Humidity
Absolute, specific, mixing ratio and relative humidity
I. Introduction to Air Humidity
Definition: Humidity refers to the amount of water vapor present in the air. It is a critical
parameter in meteorology and climatology, influencing weather patterns, comfort levels,
and various environmental processes.
II. Types of Humidity
1. Absolute Humidity
Definition: Absolute humidity is the measure of the actual amount of water vapor
present in a given volume of air, usually expressed in grams per cubic meter
(g/m³).
Formula: AH = (mv / Va); where: - mv is the mass of the water vapor (in grams) -
Va is the volume of the air (in cubic meters). To use this formula, you need to
know the mass of the water vapor and the volume of the air.
Characteristics:
Does not depend on temperature or pressure but varies with changes in
water vapor content.
Useful in understanding how much moisture is present in the air.
2. Specific Humidity
o Definition: Specific humidity is the mass of water vapor per unit mass of air
(including the water vapor), expressed in grams of water vapor per kilogram of air
(g/kg).
o Formula: SH = ((0.622∗P/(P−Pw)) ∗100; Where SH is the specific humidity
(%), P is the total pressure, PW is the partial pressure of water vapor. To calculate
specific humidity, divide the total pressure by the result of the total pressure
minus the partial pressure, then multiply by 0.622, then multiply again by 100.
o Characteristics:
It provides a measure of how much moisture is contained within a specific
mass of air.
It is less affected by temperature fluctuations than absolute humidity.
3. Mixing Ratio
o Definition: The mixing ratio is the mass of water vapor per unit mass of dry air
and is typically expressed in grams of water vapor per kilogram of dry air (g/kg).
o Formula: [ MR = \frac{m_{water vapor}}{m_{dry air}} ]
o Characteristics:
It remains constant for a parcel of air as long as no condensation occurs.
Useful in meteorological calculations, especially in determining cloud
formation.
4. Relative Humidity
o Definition: Relative humidity is the ratio of the current absolute humidity to the
maximum absolute humidity that the air can hold at a given temperature,
expressed as a percentage.
o Formula: [ RH = \left( \frac{AH}{AH_{saturation}} \right) \times 100 ] where
( AH_{saturation} ) is the absolute humidity at saturation at a given temperature.
o Characteristics:
Indicates how close the air is to being saturated with water vapor.
Affects human comfort, daily weather predictions, and processes like
evaporation and condensation.
Changes with temperature: as temperature increases, it can hold more
moisture, leading to potentially lower relative humidity even if absolute
humidity is constant.
III. Importance of Measuring Humidity
Weather Forecasting: Humidity is crucial for predicting precipitation, fog, and storm
patterns.
Human Comfort: Relative humidity influences human perception of warmth and cold;
high humidity can make temperatures feel hotter.
Agricultural Applications: Humidity affects crop growth, irrigation needs, and pest
control.
Environmental Studies: Understanding humidity is essential for studying climate change
and its impacts on ecosystems.
IV. Measuring Humidity
Instruments:
o Hygrometers: Devices used to measure humidity (e.g., digital hygrometers).
o Psychrometers: Consist of a wet-bulb and a dry-bulb thermometer used to
calculate relative humidity.
o Dew Point Hygrometers: Measures the temperature at which air becomes
saturated.
V. Conclusion
Understanding different types of humidity—absolute, specific, mixing ratio, and relative
—is essential for meteorology, environmental science, and daily applications.
Humidity plays a significant role in weather phenomena, human comfort, and ecological
dynamics.
References for Further Reading:
1. "Meteorology: Understanding the Atmosphere" by Steven J. McFadden et al.
2. "Atmospheric Science: An Introductory Survey" by Wallace & Hobbs.
3. NOAA and educational meteorology websites for real-time data and research.
