MEA 100 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Cloud Condensation Nuclei, Water Cycle, Humidity
31 Jan 2019
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Document Summary
Biogeochemical cycles- the nutrient atoms, ion and molecules that organisms need to live, grow, and reproduce are continually cycled from the nonliving environment to living organisms and back again. Driven directly or indirectly by solar energy. How is water cycled in the biosphere? the hydrologic cycle - collects, purifies, and distributes the earth"s water supply. Evaporation - the conservation of water into water vapor transpiration - evaporation from leaves of water, extracted from soil by roots and transported through the plant. Condensation - conversion of water vapor into droplets of liquid water. Precipitation - rain, sleet, hail, and snow infiltration - movement of water into soil. 84% of water vapor comes from oceans, rest comes from land. Amount of water vapor air can hold depends on temp, warm holding more. Wind and air masses transport water vapor over various parts of the earth"s surfaces; long distances. Condensation nuclei: tiny particles on which droplets of water vapor can collect.
