Science Olympiad Earth and Space Study Guide Rated A+

Science Olympiad Earth and Space Study Guide Rated A+ Temperature range: the numerical difference between the minimum and maximum values of temperature observed in a system, such as atmospheric temperature in a given location. Average Daily temperature Temperature taken each month for a number of months added together and divided by the number of months. Climate Average of temperature air pressure and precipitation over a long period of time Meteorology Scientific study of the atmosphere and how it interacts with the surface of the earth Specific heat Amount of heat energy required to heat 1 g of a substance 1°C (water is the highest) Sea breeze A wind that forms as land heats up during the day while the oceans remain cool. This creates a local high-pressure over the ocean as a low-pressure over the land wind travels from high-pressure oceans to low-pressure land creating a breeze Land breeze A wind that forms as land heats up during the day while the oceans remain cool. This creates a local high-pressure over the ocean as a low-pressure over the land wind travels from high-pressure oceans to low-pressure land creating a breeze Orographic effect Occurs when an air mass is forced from a low elevation to a high elevation due to mountains. This creates a cooling and condensing effect on the air mass on the windward side of the mountain making it rain Windward The side of the mountain range that is facing the wind. Usually rains in this location Leeward The side of the mountain range that is not facing the wind. Usually is dry in this location Rain shadow Area on the leeward side of the mountain range where very little rain occurs Air mass A large area of air on earth. This can be warm, wet, cold, dry, low pressure, high pressure ect. Moisture Trace amounts of liquid water in air mass or cloud Humidity Amount of water vapor in an air mass Relative Humidity Percentage of water vapor vs. dry air on an air mass - Sling psychrometer - An instrument used to help calculate the relative humidity and/or dew point of an air mass Dry Bulb - The undisturbed thermometer of a