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Degrees west longitude, referenced to the Greenwich (prime) meridian.
Physical distance of one period (wave repeat).
Atmospheric condition at any given time or place. Compare with climate.
A system for transmitting visual reproductions of weather forecast maps, temperature summaries, cloud analyses, etc. via radio waves. WEFAX transmissions are relayed by NOAA's geostationary GOES spacecraft.
Statement about a particularly dangerous weather system that may occur at some speclfied time in the future.
Statement that dangerous weather is likely or is occurring. Take action.
See weather facsimile.
Australian term for tropical cyclone, hurricane.
A natural motion of the air, especially a noticeable current of air moving in the atmosphere parallel to the Earth's surface. Winds are caused by unequal heating and cooling of the Earth and atmosphere due to absorbed, incoming solar radiation and infrared radiation lost to space - as modified by such effects as the Coriolis force, the condensation of water vapor, the formation of clouds, the interaction of air masses and frontal systems, friction over land and water. etc.
The chart below is an abbreviated version of the Beaufort Wind Scale, named for the British admiral who invented it in 1805.
0-1 0 calm smoke rises straight up; water like mirror. 1-3 1 light air ripples on the water 4-7 2 slight breeze leaves rustle; small wavelets 8-12 3 gentle breeze leaves & twigs in motion; large wavelets 13-18 4 moderate breeze small branches move small waves 2-4 feet. 19-24 5 fresh breeze small trees sway; whitecaps 4-8 feet tall 25-31 6 strong large branches sway breeze whitecaps 8-13 feet tall 32-38 7 near gale whole trees in motion waves 13 feet tall 39-46 8 gale twigs break off trees waves up to 16 feet tall 47-54 9 strong gale branches break; waves up to 21 feet 55-63 10 whole gale trees blown over; waves up to 26 feet. 64-73 11 storm wide spread damage; waves up to 35 feet tall 74-up 12 hurricane wide spread damage large ship sunk. * Beaufort Number
The wind can reduce significantly the amount of heat your body retains. The following wind chill chart does not take into account such variables as type of clothing worn, amount of exposed flesh, and physical condition, all of which would alter body heat.
wind Temperature speed (mph) 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 32 27 22 16 11 6 10 22 16 10 3 -3 -9 15 16 9 2 -5 -11 -18 20 12 4 -3 -10 -17 -24 25 8 1 -7 -15 -22 -29 30 6 -2 -10 -18 -25 -33 35 4 4 -12 -20 -27 -35 40 3 -5 -13 -21 -29 -37 45 2 -6 -14 -22 -30 -38
Tw = TA - 1.5 x VA
where:
Tw = wind chill
TA = air temperature
VA = wind speed
For example, if the temperature is 20 degrees and the wind 30 mph:
Tw = 20 - 1.5 x 30
Tw = 20 - 45
An instrument used to indicate wind direction.
Arrow representing wind velocity. The arrow points in the direction of the wind. The length of the arrow is proportional to wind speed.
Vector term that includes both wind speed and wind direction.
Term used to denote a region of the electromagnetic spectrum where the atmosphere does not absorb radiation strongly.
See World Ocean Circulation Experiment.
A "smart" computer terminal that serves as a primary scientific research tool, offering direct access to experimental apparatus, information files, internal computers, and output devices, usually connected to an external communications network.
A study of the general global circulation of the oceans. It emphasizes the measurements and understanding needed to describe and understand the circulation, to simulate it, and to predict its changes in response to climatic changes.
World Weather Watch
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