Moisture

Moisture = Water Vapor (gas)

Gets into the atmosphere by:

1.Evaporation = liquid to gas (opposite of condensation)

2.Transpiration = plants release water

Factors Affecting Moisture

Amount of insolation or temp.

Amount of water vapor in air (humidity).

Surface area – spread out evaporates faster.

Wind speed – wind increases evaporation

Relative Humidity

Relative humidity = ratio of water vapor in air to amount of water vapor possible.

Dew Point = condensation temp.- always lower than air temp.- equal to 100% relative humidity.

Psychrometer

Instrument that measures humidity.

Dry-bulb = regular thermometerWet-bulb = wet thermometer

Use ESRT charts and differences in these temperatures to get DP and RH.