3: Thermodynamics
- Page ID
- 46090
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Alison Nugent
By the end of this chapter, you should be able to:
- Define and describe four methods of energy transfer
- Describe the change in energy associated with changes in water state
- Define and apply the first law of thermodynamics
- Differentiate Eulerian and Lagrangian frameworks
- Describe the importance of the dry adiabatic lapse rate, and recall what sets its constant value in the atmosphere
- Compute potential temperature and apply the conserved variable approach
- Draw a diagram of surface heat fluxes and Earth’s radiation budget
- Compute the Bowen ratio, and define latent and sensible heat flux
- 3.1: Introduction
- This page explores the concept of energy, defined as the ability to do work, and outlines its forms, including kinetic and potential energy. It explains the law of conservation of energy, illustrating energy's role in everyday life and natural phenomena, such as latent heat in convective clouds. The significance of energy in atmospheric processes and weather is highlighted, preparing the reader for deeper analysis in the chapter.
- 3.2: Energy Transfer
- This page explains kinetic energy in the context of thermal energy, linking it to the movement of molecules and temperature. It covers how temperature reflects average molecular kinetic energy and describes heat transfer methods: conduction (direct contact), convection (in fluids), radiation (without contact), and latent heat. Higher molecular speeds correspond to higher temperatures.
- 3.3: Latent Heat
- This page explains latent heat, the energy involved in phase changes of water, such as melting, evaporation, condensation, and freezing. It highlights that heat added to ice at 0°C causes melting without temperature change, and the importance of these processes in atmospheric science, particularly in weather phenomena like convection and thunderstorms. It also notes that different phase changes have varying latent heat requirements, with vaporization needing more energy than melting.
- 3.4: Specific Heat
- This page explains latent heat and specific heat, highlighting their roles in phase changes and temperature variations respectively. It notes that specific heat varies by substance, with water exhibiting a high specific heat compared to air, which influences temperature behavior. The text also illustrates how this difference affects seasonal temperature changes in Hawaii, where ocean temperatures lag behind those of the land due to the high heat capacity of water.
- 3.5: First Law of Thermodynamics
- This page explains the first law of thermodynamics, emphasizing energy conservation in the atmosphere. When heat is added to air, it warms the air and allows for expansion, leading to decreased density or increased pressure, which causes the warm air to rise. The thermal energy contributes to both warming and expansion, and the atmospheric application of this law connects heat transfer to changes in enthalpy and pressure per mass.
- 3.6: Frameworks for Understanding the Atmosphere
- This page explores fundamental frameworks in atmospheric science, focusing on the Lagrangian and Eulerian perspectives. It details how the Lagrangian approach tracks moving air parcels, while the Eulerian approach examines fixed locations. Key concepts include air parcels, lapse rates, adiabatic processes, and potential temperature, which are essential for understanding atmospheric behavior and thermal dynamics.
- 3.7: Introduction to Thermodynamic Diagrams
- This page covers potential temperature in thermodynamic diagrams for atmospheric understanding and buoyancy, alongside the heat budget at Earth’s surface. It highlights the balance of radiation and various heat fluxes, such as sensible and latent heat, and their effects on air parcel temperature, differing for moist and dry surfaces. The Bowen ratio is introduced to clarify heat transfer variations, concluding with chapter learning goals.
- 3.8: Additional Information
- This page explores the history and types of thermometers, from traditional liquid-in-glass to modern electrical versions and their applications in weather forecasting. It highlights the significance of proper sheltering for accurate readings and discusses wind chill and heat index effects on perceived temperature. Engaging scenarios are provided to enhance understanding of energy transfer and environmental temperature variations.