GL 107 Earth Systems Science

K. Hannula

Discussion questions for 11/14/07

1.  Describe how evaporation and condensation can change the temperature of surrounding air.

2.  Why does sweating cool you off?

3.  Why does 90 degrees in Houston feel more unpleasant than 90 degrees in Durango?

4.  Define:

• mixing ratio

• relative humidity

• dew-point temperature

5.  If the relative humidity is 70% at 40 degrees F, how should the relative humidity change if the temperature rises?  How should the relative humidity change if the temperature falls?

6.  What four mechanisms can cause air to rise?

7.  Why is rising air important for formation of clouds?

8.  What is a temperature inversion?