In thermodynamics, the integrating factor of the differential equation referred to as the first law of thermodynamics, In statistical mechanics, a measure of translational molecular kinetic energy (with three degrees of freedom). In general, the degree of ...

Fine dust or salt particles dispersed through a portion of the atmosphere; a type of lithometer. The particles are so small they cannot be felt or seen with the naked eye. Many haze formations are caused by the presence of an abundance of condensation nuc ...

A small, moveable graduated scale adjacent and parallel to the main scale of an instrument. It provides a means for interpolating between the graduations of the main scale.

Readily taking up and retaining moisture.

An instrument designed to measure quantities of heat. Sometimes used in meteorology to measure solar radiation.

The temperature at which an object gives out as much radiation as it receives from its surroundings.

An instrument for determining the degree of polarization of light. See photopolarimeter.

A general term for atmospheric water in any of its forms, i.e. clouds, fog, hail, ice crystals, rain.

A medium-sized instrument shelter. It is a white louvered box with a flat double to of and is mounted four feet above the ground on a four-legged stand.

Emission or transfer of energy in the form of electromagnetic waves or particles.

A diagram showing the intensity of the radiation field in all directions from a transmitting radio or radar antenna at a given distance from the antenna.

A graduated scale placed in a position so that the stage of a stream may be read directly from it. Staff gauges may be placed on bridge piers or pilings, etc., or placed on specially constructed supports.

A type of pressure-tube anemometer, named after the inventor.

The length of air flow past a wind vane required for the vane to respond to 50 percent of a step change in wind direction. Expressed in feet or meters and calculated from delay time times wind tunnel speed.

A rocket designed primarily for routine upper air observations in the lower 250,000 feet of the atmosphere, especially that portion inaccessible to balloons (above 100,000 feet).

Lacking a relationship to a time base or clock. In asynchronous communications, individual data characters are sent at an arbitrary rate.

A recording weight barometer.

Precipitation composed of white or translucent ice crystals, chiefly in complex branched hexagonal forms.

Infrared radiation emitted by or being propagated through the atmosphere.

An air-launched balloon designed to be released in the eye of a tropical cyclone, float within the eye at predetermined levels, and transmit radio signals for RDF positioning.