1. Introduction to Meteorology

2. 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

3. 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

5. 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

6. Composition of atmosphere