Decoding Glacier Size Change: Understanding the Influence of Climate and Natural Dynamics
Polar & Ice RegionsGlaciers are one of the most fascinating natural features on Earth. They are massive rivers of ice that move under their own weight, carving out valleys and shaping the landscape. But glaciers are also highly sensitive to changes in the environment, and their size can fluctuate dramatically over time. In this article, we explore the
Why Didn’t the Air Heat Up? Investigating Radiative Transfer in an Experiment Demonstrating the Atmospheric Greenhouse Effect
Climate & Climate ZonesThe atmospheric greenhouse effect is a well-known phenomenon that plays an important role in regulating the Earth’s temperature. The greenhouse effect is caused by certain gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide and water vapor, which absorb and re-emit infrared radiation. This process results in the trapping of heat in the atmosphere, which
Why is the Latent Heat of Water Vapor Integral to the Specific Enthalpy of Moist Air?
Weather & ForecastsHumid air is a mixture of dry air and water vapor. The specific enthalpy of humid air is the sum of the enthalpy of dry air and the enthalpy of water vapor. The enthalpy of water vapor includes the latent heat of vaporization, which is the energy required to convert water from a liquid to
Radar-Based Techniques for Accurate Measurement of Nearshore Ocean Waves
Weather & ForecastsOcean waves are an important part of the Earth’s climate system, affecting marine transportation, coastal infrastructure and ecosystems, and weather. Measuring ocean waves is therefore critical to understanding and predicting these effects. One of the most common ways to measure waves is by using buoys, which are anchored to the seafloor and use sensors to