Meteorology

Meteorology

A database of terms pertaining to the scientific study of the atmosphere.

Contributors in Meteorology

Meteorology

A coefficient defined as the ratio of the dynamic viscosity of a fluid to its density. The kinematic viscosity of most gases increases with increasing temperature and decreasing pressure. For dry air ...

Land breeze

Weather; Meteorology

A coastal breeze blowing from land to sea, caused by the temperature difference when the sea surface is warmer than the adjacent land. Therefore, it usually blows by night and alternates with sea ...

Köppen classification

Weather; Meteorology

A climatic classification scheme developed by Wladimir Köppen (1846– 1940), a German climatologist. This scheme is based upon annual and monthly means of temperature and precipitation and also takes ...

Kirchhoff's law

Weather; Meteorology

A fundamental radiation law that equates the absorptivity of matter to its emissivity at the same wavelength. Loosely put, this important law asserts that good absorbers of radiation at a given ...

Katafront

Weather; Meteorology

A front (usually a cold front) at which the warm air descends the frontal surface (except, presumably, in the lowest layers). Compare anafront.

Long-range forecast

Weather; Meteorology

A forecast for a period greater than seven days in advance, although there are no absolute limits to the period embraced by the definition. Compare medium-range forecast, extended forecast.