303 Climatology: Nazmun Nahar
303 Climatology: Nazmun Nahar
Nazmun Nahar
Associate Professor
Department of Geography & Environment
Introduction to Climatology:
Principles and Scope
Introduction
The study of the Earth falls into four broad categories:
The solid lithosphere
The liquid hydrosphere
The gaseous atmosphere
The life biosphere
Water (H2O)
Greenhouse
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Gases
1%
Methane (CH4)
Selected Greenhouse Gases
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
– Source: Fossil fuel burning, deforestation
Anthropogenic increase: 30%
Average atmospheric residence time: 500 years
Methane (CH4)
– Source: Rice cultivation, cattle & sheep ranching, decay from
landfills, mining
Anthropogenic increase: 145%
Average atmospheric residence time: 7-10 years
Nitrous oxide (N2O)
– Source: Industry and agriculture (fertilizers)
Anthropogenic increase: 15%
Average atmospheric residence time: 140-190 years
Potential climate change Impact
As the air becomes more humid, the air pressure goes down
(moist air weighs less than dry air).
Drier air has higher pressure because dry air weighs more
than moist air, therefore it has greater pressure.
Pressure Gradient
The pressure gradient force initiates movement of
atmospheric mass, wind, from areas of higher to areas of
lower pressure
Horizontal wind speeds are a function of the strength of the
pressure gradient
Pressure Gradient …
Air pressure and Air density
clouds or no clouds
clockwise or
counterclockwise wind
direction
winds toward or
away from the center
Sea and Land Breezes
Caused by temperature
differences between
land and sea. Strongest
in spring/summer.
During the day (night)
land is hotter (colder)
than water.
A thermal low develops
over the warmer region.
Air converges into the
low, ascends, and
produces clouds and
possibly precipitation.
Sea and Land Breezes …
Valley and Mountain Breezes
Diurnal variation similar to a
land/sea breeze occur in
mountainous areas and are called
valley and mountain breezes.
Mountains facing the sun heat more
intensely than shaded valley areas.
This develops a thermal low during
the day which produces a valley
breeze.
At night the situation reverses
producing a mountain breeze.
The Wind
Speed and Direction
Horizontal pressure gradients are responsible for wind
generation
Three factors affect wind speed and/or direction (velocity):
Pressure Gradient Force (PGF)
Coriolis Effect (CE)
Friction Force (FF)