ATMO336 - Outline for First Exam
The atmosphere and the weather

1. Atmospheric composition:

most important atmospheric gases (constant and variable) and their significance;

relative concentration and chemical formula;

2. The Early Atmosphere

age of the atmosphere;

processes that lead to current concentration;

3. Structure of the atmosphere:

main layers;

importance and temperature distribution;

4. Water:

importance, phases, phase changes;

latent heat;

5. Water Vapor in the Atmosphere:

humidity, definitions;

humidity comparisons; saturation;

relative humidity, dew point temperature;

factors that influence evaporation;

6. Human Comfort:

the heat wave (article)

mechanisms of energy exchange

energy exchange between the body and the environment;

hypothermia and hyperthermia (symptoms, first aid);

indexes of heat and humidity; wind chill;

7. Air Pressure and Density:

definitions, variations with height;

Physiological responses to changes in pressure;

8. Surface Charts:

station pressure, sea-level pressure;

isobars, sea-level pressure charts;

pressure gradients;

9. Forces and Winds:

Newton's laws of motion;

forces that influence the winds (near the surface and away from it);

cyclones and anticyclones;

10. Clouds and Precipitation:

atmospheric stability;

clouds, formation processes;

classification; precipitation types; satellite imagery.

thunderstorms