Cyclones and anticyclones are classified as secondary atmospheric circulations. While “primary” circulations (like the Hadley Cell) are global and permanent, secondary circulations are smaller, regional and temporary. They are the individual high and low-pressure systems that move across the planet, ...
Discussion Forum Latest Questions
Insolation is an acronym for “INcoming SOLar radiATION.” It represents the amount of solar energy that reaches a specific area of the Earth’s surface in a given time. The amount of insolation varies significantly based on the angle of the ...
The Wet Adiabatic Lapse Rate occurs when rising air becomes saturated and water vapor begins to condense into liquid droplets. This condensation releases “latent heat,” which warms the surrounding air. Consequently, saturated air cools more slowly (about 5°C per km) ...
Noctilucent clouds or “night-shining” clouds, are composed of tiny ice crystals. They form in the mesosphere, the highest part of the atmosphere, at altitudes of about 76 to 85 kilometers. They are only visible during deep twilight when the sun ...
Normal atmospheric pressure, often referred to as “Standard Pressure,” is measured at sea level. This is because the atmosphere is deepest and densest at the lowest elevations. As you move higher—whether onto mountains or into the upper atmosphere—the column of ...