GEOG 2050 : Exam2Review 2
Document Summary
This chapter explores water vapor in the atmosphere and how water changes physical state and cycles among earth"s physical systems. The hydrologic cycle is presented first, and then water"s three states are discussed. Atmospheric instability and cloud formation are a significant unit in the chapter. In the geographic perspectives at the end of the chapter, the role of clouds in modifying earth"s average temperature is explored. Water"s three phases are discussed in the context of how water moves through. Earth"s physical systems the hydrosphere, the atmosphere, the lithosphere, and the biosphere through the process of melting, evaporation, condensation, and freezing. Water"s readily changing states are discussed in terms of energy absorption and energy release in the form of latent heat in the hydrologic cycle. Four common ways to express atmospheric humidity are vapor pressure, specific humidity, relative humidity, and dew-point temperature.
