Robert W. ChristophersonCharlie Thomsen

Chapter 7Water and

Atmospheric Moisture

Water and Atmospheric MoistureWater on Earth  

Unique Properties of Water  

Humidity  

Atmospheric Stability  

Clouds and Fog  

Water on Earth  Worldwide equilibrium

Distribution of Earth’s water today  

Land and Water Hemispheres

Figure 7.2

Ocean and Freshwater Distribution

Figure 7.3

Unique Properties of Water  Heat properties 

Phase change

Sublimation

Latent heat Vaporization

Condensation

Heat properties of water in nature  Latent heat of sublimation

Three States of Water

Figure 7.5

Uniqueness of Ice Forms

Figure 7.6

Phase Changes

Figure 7.7

HumidityRelative humidity  

Saturation

Dew point

Expressions of relative humidity  Vapor pressure

Specific humidity

Instruments

Relative Humidity

Figure 7.8

Water Vapor in the Atmosphere

Figure 7.10

Water Vapor in the Atmosphere

Figure 7.10

Humidity Patterns

Figure 7.11

Saturation Vapor Pressure

Figure 7.12

Maximum Specific Humidity

Figure 7.13

Humidity Instruments

Figure 7.14

Atmospheric Stability  Adiabatic processes  

Stable and unstable atmospheric conditions  

Buoyancy and Gravity

Figure 7.15

Adiabatic Processes

Figure 7.17

Adiabatic Cooling

Figure 7.17

Adiabatic Heating

Figure 7.17

Adiabatic Processes  Dry adiabatic rate

10 C°/1000 m

5.5 F°/1000 ft

Moist adiabatic rate6 C°/1000 m

3.3 F°/1000 ft

Atmospheric Temperatures and Stability

Figure 7.18

 Three Examples of Stability

Figure 7.19

Clouds and FogCloud Formation Processes  

Cloud Types and Identification  

Fog  

Cloud Formation Processes  Moisture droplet

Cloud-condensation nuclei

Moisture Droplets

Figure 7.20

Raindrop and Snowflake Formation

Figure 7.21

Cloud Types and Identification  

Figure 7.22

Cirrus

Figure 7.22

Cirrostratus

Figure 7.22

Altocumulus

Figure 7.22

Altostratus

Figure 7.22

Nimbostratus

Figure 7.22

Stratus

Figure 7.22

Cumulus

Figure 7.22

Cumulonimbus

Figure 7.22

Cumulonimbus Development

Figure 7.23

Fog  Advection fog

Evaporation fog

Upslope fog

Valley fog

Radiation fog

Advection Fog

Figure 7.24

Evaporation Fog

Figure 7.25

Valley Fog

Figure 7.25 Figure 7.26

Evaporation and Radiation Fog

Figure 7.28

Radiation Fog

Figure 7.27

Robert W. ChristophersonCharlie Thomsen

Geosystems 7eAn Introduction to Physical Geography

End of Chapter 7