CPAER - Meteorology Review Questions with complete Solutions!!

Describe the composition of the atmosphere - 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, water vapor, argon, carbon dioxide, and ozone What substances can act as condensation nuclei? - Organic and non organic substances that range form microscopic to visible. ie. smoke, pollen, spores, soil, or salt (form ocean spray) Source: Air Command Weather Manual pg. 2-1 Where are concentrations of condensation nuclei highest? - Concentrations of condensation nuclei are comparatively higher around cities and industrial areas compared to rural areas or the sea. Source: Air Command Weather Manual pg. 2-1 What are the layers of the atmosphere - troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere In which layer of the atmosphere does weather occur? - Troposphere When and why does the most violent weather occur? - Violent weather occurs in warm and moist air masses. Warm air can hold more moisture than cold air and subsequently more energy is released as latent heat. What is dew point? - The temperature at a given pressure to which air must be cooled to cause saturation What is the dew point spread? - The difference between the current temperature and the dewpoint.