Climatology

Climatology is the study of climate. The term climate can be defined as weather conditions averaged over a period of time. Climate models are used in a variety of different ways to study the dynamics of the weather and climate systems to make projections of future climate. Basic knowledge of the climate can be used within shorter term weather forecasting using analog techniques such as El Nino. Climate models can be used for a variety of purposes from studying the dynamics of the weather and climate systems to formulating projections about future climate conditions.

Scientists use climate indices based on several climate patterns in the attempt to characterize and understand the various climate mechanisms that culminate in our daily weather. Climate indices are used to represent the essential elements of climate. They are generally devised with the twin objective of simplicity and completeness.

Climate models use quantitative methods to simulate the interactions of the atmosphere, oceans, land surfaces and ice. They can be used to study the dynamics of the weather and climate system to projections of future climate. All models balance incoming energy as short wave electromagnetic radiation to the earth with outgoing energy as long wave electromagnetic radiation from the earth.

Title Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

BrainMass Solutions Available for Instant Download

Atmospheric pressure: Weather

"Perhaps more than any other single measurement, atmospheric pressure is the best indicator of current and changing weather conditions." Explain and discuss why this statement is correct. Provide some examples. (Hint: discuss the differences in high pressure and low pressure systems. How does each affect the local and regional w

A 10 Year Storm - Augusta, Georgia

Do you know what a ten-year storm would look like for Augusta, Georgia? Please provide references.

Thermohaline, Cyclical Progression and their Effects

Having studied thermohaline and the cyclical progression of our earth's history; how can this possibly affect the world in the near future?

Rainfall

How does climate control or influence mass wasting? Also, intuitively, it would seem that rainy climates would be most susceptible to mass wasting. But why might arid climates experience a great deal of mass wasting even though there is less annual rainfall?

Rain Gauge Data

A student conducted a a rain gauage and placed it in her garden at 08.00 on Tue 5th Feb, She then recorded a pecipitation reading at 08.00 on each of the next seven days. She recored her measurments as follows Measurements (mm) of water in rain gauge on consescutive days, first measurements 8am on 6th Feb Measurements 2.0,3.5

Using a Psychrometer

When using a psychrometer and the two temperatures read nearly the same, you can conclude that_________________. a. Your instrument reading is accurate b. A change in temperature is likely c. The dew point temperature is very low d. The air has a high relative humidity.

Temperature ranges and means for an urban area compared to a more rural setting of crops and forests.

Considering the albedo of various surfaces, compare daily temperature ranges and means for an urban area to a more rural setting of crops and forests. Also, are there any other factors other than albedo that might affect these temperature variations?

Clouds and Precipitation

Why is the vertical movement of air critical to the formation of clouds and precipitation? What role do adiabatic temperature changes pay in these processes?

Explore BrainMass