Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
ATMOSPHERIC MOISTURE
AND PRECIPITATION
C H A P T E R S E V E N
Chapter 6 focused on air pressure and the processes associated with atmospheric circulation. As air flows, it
carries many things, including dust, volcanic ash, and even small organisms. One of the most important of these
atmospheric constituents is water, which moves within the air in vapor, liquid, and solid forms.
Water is a critical part of the global ecosystem because it is necessary for all living things. In addition, water
serves an important regulatory function in climate patterns and processes because it moderates temperature. Water
vapor in the atmosphere is especially vital because it absorbs heat from the Sun. As water vapor moves around the
planet in atmospheric currents, the effect is to moderate surface temperature.
The first part of this chapter focuses on the chemical and physical composition of water and how it changes from
one phase to another. From there, the discussion moves on to the way that clouds form and how precipitation occurs.
You will find this information useful the next time it snows or an intense storm occurs where you live.
