Some physics of the atmosphere
The atmosphere is the densest part of the gaseous covering that envelops our planet. Due to its weight and to the property that gases have of being compressible, the whole atmosphere is in a state of hydrostatic equilibrium: this determines a horizontal stratification, in concentric ‘strata’, of the surfaces having not only a constant pressure (isobaric surfaces) and density, but also other magnitudes such as temperature, humidity or degree of ionization. The layers which are of greater interest to meteorology are the troposphere and the tropopause. Together they reach a width of about 26 km: it is here that all meteorological phenomena take place.
The main atmospheric parameters that must be known to study meteorological events are the amount of thermal energy that reaches the Earth (the temperature of the ground and of the air), atmospheric pressure and the humidity contained in the air.
Special reports
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29 April 2020
Lightning
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30 May 2014
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27 March 2012
Rio and the Conventions
In the past years we have heard and read a lot about climate change...
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The coral reef is one of the ecosystems with the richest biodiversity...
29 April 2020
Lightning
Man has always been afraid of lightning, in fact in the past lightning was considered a sign of the anger…
-
29 April 2020
Lightning
Man has always been afraid of lightning, in fact in the past lightning was considered a sign of the anger…
11 December 2013
Typhoons, hurricanes and cyclones
On November 8, 2013 typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines with winds...
-
29 April 2014
What will the climate be like?
Latest news regarding the Fifth Assessment Report (Part 1)...
30 May 2014
Latest news regarding the climate
Most salient news from the Fifth Assessment Report(Part 2)
-
27 March 2012
Rio and the Conventions
In the past years we have heard and read a lot about climate change...
-
29 April 2020
Lightning
Man has always been afraid of lightning, in fact in the past lightning was considered a sign of the anger…
-
11 December 2013
Typhoons, hurricanes and cyclones
On November 8, 2013 typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines with winds...
-
29 April 2014
What will the climate be like?
Latest news regarding the Fifth Assessment Report (Part 1)...
From the Multimedia section
Facts
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Radars in meteorology
Radar (acronym for radio detection and ranging) monitoring techniques are used to...
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7 April 2011
Weather over the Mediterranean Sea
The weather in the Mediterranean areas is generally...
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13 May 2011
Meteorological satellites
Meteorological observations from satellites are at present the most...
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7 April 2011
GOES meteorological satellites
The numerous civil and military satellites orbiting around us...
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13 May 2011
Meteorological satellites
Meteorological observations from satellites are at present the most...