In the module on forces in the atmosphere, we discussed
the fact that the gravity/centrifugal forces and the
vertical pressure gradient forces were essentially
balancing each other. In this module, we will combine
that information with the ideal gas law (which I hope
you remember from high school, but which we'll review
anyway) to see how pressure,
temperature, and height are related in the atmosphere.
This module is a necessary step on the road to
understanding wind and weather.
- To learn and understand the hydrostatic equation.
- To understand the relationship between temperature
and the vertical pressure gradient.
- To use your knowledge of the distribution of
temperature in the atmosphere to understand the
distribution of pressure in the atmosphere.
- The Vertical Balance of Forces: The Hydrostatic
Equation
- Interpretation of the Hydrostatic Equation
- Solution to Problem
- Explanation of Units
- Density, Pressure, Height Question
- Pressure, Temperature and Density
- Answer to Density, Pressure, Height Question
- Box Example
- Box Question
- Pressure, Temperature and Density Continued
- Answer to Box question
- Rules for Converting Pressure to Height
- The Relationship Between Pressure and Temperature
- The Relationship Between Pressure and Temperature Continued
- Answer to Question 1
- Numerical Example
- Summary of the Relationship Between Pressure and Temperature
- Question 2
- The Relationship Between Pressure and Temperature Continued
- Answer to Question 2
- Usefulness of the Relationship Between Pressure and Temperature
- Summary
ATMO203 Home Page
Texas A&M Atmospheric Sciences Dept. Home Page
Questions or Comments
Technical: E-mail John Fulton < jdfult@nimbus.met.tamu.edu >
Scientific: E-mail Dr. John Nielsen-Gammon. < nielsen@ariel.met.tamu.edu >
Copyright © 1996-2003 Texas A&M University,
Texas A&M Atmospheric Sciences Department and
Dr. John Nielsen-Gammon.
All rights reserved.