UNIT_I

Introduction to Meteorology:
Meteorology is the scientific study of the atmosphere that focuses on weather processes and
forecasting. It involves the analysis of atmospheric phenomena such as temperature, humidity,
wind, precipitation, and atmospheric pressure.
Weather: Refers to the short-term state of the atmosphere at a specific time and place,
including temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind, and visibility. Weather can change
minute-to-minute, hour-to-hour, and day-to-day.
Climate: Represents the long-term average of weather patterns in a particular region, typically
averaged over 30 years. It includes average temperatures, precipitation patterns, and frequency
of extreme weather events.
Meteorological Variables:
• Temperature: Measures the warmth or coldness of the atmosphere. It is influenced by
factors such as latitude, altitude, and time of year.
• Air Pressure: The force exerted by the weight of air above a surface. It decreases with
altitude and is measured using barometers.
• Humidity: The amount of water vapor in the air. It affects weather conditions like cloud
formation and precipitation.
• Win
d: Air movement caused by differences in air pressure. It is described by its speed and direction.
• Precipitation: Includes all forms of water, liquid or solid, that fall from clouds and reach
the ground, such as rain, snow, sleet, and hail.

Tools and Techniques:

➢ Weather Balloons: Carry instruments to measure temperature, humidity, and pressure

at various altitudes.
➢ Satellites: Provide images and data on cloud cover, temperature, and other atmospheric
conditions from space.
➢ Radar: Detects precipitation and its intensity, helping track storms.
➢ Computer Models: Use mathematical equations to simulate the atmosphere and
predict future weather based on current conditions.
Applications:

Daily Weather Forecasting: Helps people plan activities and protects lives and property.

Aviation: Ensures flight safety by providing information on weather conditions.

Marine Navigation: Aids in safe navigation at sea.

Agriculture: Assists farmers in planning planting and harvesting activities.

Disaster Management: Helps in preparing for and responding to severe weather events like
hurricanes and floods.

History of Meteorology

The development of meteorology as a science has evolved significantly over time, from ancient
observations to modern technological advancements.

As early as 650 BC, they made weather predictions based on cloud patterns and astronomical
phenomena. Meteorologica(circa 350 BC) was a comprehensive compilation of the knowledge
about weather and climate at the time.

The Renaissance period revived interest in scientific observation and experimentation.

Leonardo da Vinci and others made significant contributions to the understanding of
atmospheric phenomena.

Barometer Invented by Evangelista Torricelli in 1643, it measures atmospheric pressure, a

crucial element in weather forecasting.

Thermometer developed by Galileo Galilei in the early 17th century, allowing accurate
temperature measurement.

Hygrometer: Measures humidity, invented by Francesco Folli in 1664.

Telegraph: Enabled the rapid sharing of weather data across large distances in the 19th century,
improving forecasting accuracy.

Weather Stations: Networks of stations collecting data on various meteorological variables.

Radio and Television: Disseminated weather information to the public.

Computers: Revolutionized meteorology by enabling complex simulations and more accurate
predictions.

Satellites: Launched in the 1960s, they provide comprehensive data on a global scale, crucial
for weather monitoring and forecasting.

General Circulation:

The general circulation of the atmosphere refers to the large-scale movement of air that helps
to distribute thermal energy (heat) around the Earth, thus influencing climate and weather
patterns. This circulation is driven by the unequal heating of the Earth's surface by solar
radiation, which causes differences in air pressure and temperature.

Hadley Cell:

Extends from the equator to about 30° latitude in both hemispheres. Warm air rises near the
equator due to intense solar heating, creating a low-pressure area. This air moves poleward at
high altitudes, cools and sinks at about 30° latitude, creating high-pressure areas, and then
returns to the equator at the surface level as trade winds. It is responsible for the tropical
rainforests near the equator and deserts around 30° latitude.

Ferrel Cell: It is Found between 30° and 60° latitude. Air moves poleward at the surface from
high-pressure areas at 30° latitude, rises at around 60° latitude where it meets cold polar air,
and returns equatorward at higher altitudes. It creates the westerlies, prevailing winds from the
west in the mid-latitudes.

Polar Cell: It operates between 60° latitude and the poles. Cold, dense air sinks at the poles,
moves equatorward at the surface, rises around 60° latitude where it meets warmer air, and
returns poleward at higher altitudes. It Influences the polar easterlies, cold winds blowing from
the east near the poles.

Jet Streams: Narrow bands of fast-flowing air located near the tropopause (the boundary
between the troposphere and stratosphere), typically found at the boundaries between the
circulation cells. Two main jet streams are the polar jet stream (found between the polar and
Ferrel cells) and the subtropical jet stream (found between the Hadley and Ferrel cells). It Plays
a crucial role in steering weather systems and influencing climate patterns.
Trade Winds and Westerlies:

Trade Winds: Blow from the east in the tropics, converging at the equator to form the
Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), a region of intense convective activity and
precipitation.

Westerlies: Blow from the west in the mid-latitudes, influencing the weather patterns of
regions like North America and Europe.