Introduction to Meteorology

Definition: Meteorology can be defined as the science that deals with the study of the atmosphere. Divisions of Meteorology: Marine Meteorology-pertaining to the sea and ocean Aeronomy- investigates both the chemical and physical properties of the atmosphere and the changes that occur in these as the result of external and internal forces. Biometeorology-study of the interactions between living organisms and their atmospheric environment

STRUCTURE OF THE ATMOSPHERE 1. Troposphere- from surface upwards temp decreases with altitude, tropopause 2.Stratosphere- isothermal, inversion layer-50km, absorption of uv radiation-25- 50km, explosive warming of the stratosphere 3.Mesosphere- 50 to 80km , temperature decreases with altitude, lowering to about – 95°C at the mesopause around 80km 4.Thermosphere- temp 300°C by 80km 5.Exosphere- lighter gases-hydrogen and helium-free from earth’s gravitational field and escape to space by about 600km

COMPOSITION OF ATMOSPHERE Gases-nitrogen-78%, oxygen-21%, 1%-trace gases-argon, carbon dioxide, neon, helium, krypton, xenon, hydrogen, ozone, methane, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides Water vapour-depends on the latitude, temp, wind and atmospheric systems Aerosols-suspension of fine solid and liquid particles

Composition of atmosphere