Atmospheric Measurements and Observations

A barometer is a device used to measure atmospheric pressure.

An anemometer is a device used to measure wind speed.

A windsock is a device used to measure wind direction.

A thermometer is a device used to measure air temperature.

A psychrometer is a device used to measure humidity.

Lapse rate is the term used to describe the vertical distribution of temperature in the atmosphere.

Inversion is the term used to describe a layer of the atmosphere where temperature increases with altitude.

Adiabatic lapse rate is the term used to describe the rate at which temperature decreases with altitude in the atmosphere.

Convection is the term used to describe the process by which air rises and cools, causing condensation and the formation of clouds.

Advection is the term used to describe the process by which air moves horizontally from one place to another.

Radiation is the term used to describe the process by which heat is transferred through electromagnetic waves.

Condensation is the term used to describe the process by which water vapor in the air changes into liquid water.

Evaporation is the term used to describe the process by which liquid water in the air changes into water vapor.

Deposition is the term used to describe the process by which water vapor in the air changes into ice crystals.

Sublimation is the term used to describe the process by which ice crystals in the air change into water vapor.