Chapter 7 Air Quality Analysis: Automatic Weather Station

Abstract

Meteorology is the study of weather. Weather is the condition of the atmosphere at any particular time and place. Generally, it is caused by the movement of the transfer of energy. Energy is transferred where there is a temperature difference between two objects or locations. In nature, a large proportion of our weather phenomena result from a transfer of energy that occurs via the movement of air in the atmosphere [1]. This movement of air is known as convection and forms the basis of many meteorological patterns and features, including thunderstorms, monsoons, fronts, cyclones and tornadoes. Through the convective processes, heat, momentum and moisture are distributed horizontally across latitudes and vertically up the atmosphere. Other examples of energy transfer include radiation and condensation/evaporation. Radiation is the transfer of energy without involving the movement of air, such as the formation of dew, frost and fog. The process of condensation and/or evaporation, on the other hand, involves the phase changes of water when air moves about the Earth [1]. For example, water vapour formed from the evaporation of liquid water sources such as the oceans, lakes and rivers; as well as from evapotranspiration by plants. When moisture (water vapour)-filled air is lifted vertically or transported horizontally as part of air masses, it cools and releases water vapour through the process of condensation and forms clouds, which subsequently rain out and replenishes the water sources on Earth.