Part 2: Atmospheric Thermodynamics
Heat and Energy in the Atmosphere
Atmospheric thermodynamics applies the laws of thermodynamics to understand how heat, moisture, and energy are transferred within the atmosphere. These principles govern cloud formation, precipitation, and atmospheric stability.
Topics in This Part
2.1 Thermodynamic Principles
First and second laws, heat capacity, enthalpy
2.2 Moisture & Humidity
Water vapor, saturation, dew point, relative humidity
2.3 Stability & Convection
Static stability, buoyancy, CAPE, convective inhibition
2.4 Adiabatic Processes
Dry and moist adiabatic lapse rates, potential temperature
Key Equations
Potential Temperature
$$\theta = T\left(\frac{p_0}{p}\right)^{R_d/c_p}$$
Clausius-Clapeyron
$$\frac{de_s}{dT} = \frac{L_v e_s}{R_v T^2}$$