Atmospheric pressure explained
Atmospheric pressure is the force exerted by the atmosphere on the Earth's surface. It is caused by differences in air density and gravity. Also known as ...
Meteorology
Learning about the climate is an essential step if you want to understand why it is changing. The more informed you are, the more likely you will be able to educate your friends and family about the issues surrounding climate change and the quality of the air we breathe.
How does albedo influence the climate?
Solar radiation, once it approaches or enters the Earth's atmosphere, can be either absorbed by the gases that make up the atmosphere, scattered (reflected), or transmitted. Solar radiation, which is called albedo, warms the atmosphere and ...
What is the difference between ice floes and glaciers?
The cryosphere is the portion of water in a solid state on Earth, i.e. frozen water. It comes from the Greek words "kruos" and "sphaira", which mean cold and spherical object. The cryosphere therefore includes ice floes, ice caps, and the ...
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The thinning of the ozone layer
Ozone is a form of oxygen with three atoms instead of the normal two. It forms a fragile shield in the stratosphere that absorbs ultraviolet radiation from the sun, far from the sun's surface.
What is the hydrological cycle?
The hydrological cycle describes the circulation of water from the ocean and other water surfaces to the atmosphere and land. Evaporation from the oceans is an important source of water vapour in the atmosphere.
What is geoengineering?
Geoengineering is a term that describes how humans could intervene in the functions of the Earth in order to slow or reverse climate change. Currently, there are two main types of geoengineering...
Petrichor: a smell of rain
Petrichor is a pleasant, musky aroma that is released after rain. The smell is similar to the one gardeners smell when they turn the soil. Why does the air ...
What is an urban heat island?
The climate in large cities is referred to as an urban heat island, and is the result of increased temperatures in urban areas compared to their rural surroundings. This phenomenon is the result of ...
What is a mud shower?
Mud rain is rain that contains a high concentration of sand or dust particles. When it dries out, cars and windows can be seen to be covered in mud.
Where does the hole in the ozone layer come from?
Scientists from the Copernicus atmospheric monitoring service announced on 20 December 2021 that the hole in the ozone layer is one of the longest on record. But ...
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