The downward flux of atmospheric radiation passing through a given level surface, usually taken as the earth's surface. This result of infrared (long-wave) absorption and reemission by the atmosphere is the principal factor in the greenhouse effect.

The point (physical and/or electrical) where two distinct data processing elements meet.

Formation of a single water drop by the union of two or more colliding drops.

Wind with a speed between 48 and 55 knots (55 and 63 mph), Beaufort scale number 10.

Air in motion relative to the surface of the earth. Almost exclusively used to denote the horizontal component.

The scientific study of the waters of the earth, especially with relation to the effects of precipitation and evaporation upon the occurrence and character of water in streams, lakes, and on or below the land surface. In terms of the hydrologic cycle, the ...

See ceilometer.

An instrument whose calibration can be determined by means of simple physical measurements on the instrument. Compare to secondary instrument.

A clockwise change in wind direction. Veering winds with height are indicative of warm air advection (WAA).

Part of a computer word that has meaning in itself, often, a byte.

Apparatus consisting of (a) standard radiosonde and radiosonde ground equipment to obtain upper-air data on pressure, temperature, and humidity, and (b) a self-tracking radio direction-finder to provide the elevation and azimuth angles of the radiosonde s ...

A device for obtaining a continuous record of stage at a point on a stream. The most common recorders consist of a float-actuated pen which traces a record on a clock driven chart.

Same as aneroid barometer. Holostelic means wholly made of solids, while aneroid means devoid of liquid.

Old snow that has become granular and compacted as a result of melting and refreezing.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration. A regulatory office of the U.S. Department of Labor.

A wind blowing in a direction opposite to the heading of a moving object, thus opposing the object's intended progress; the opposite of a tailwind.

A balloon designed to float at a constant pressure level. This may be accomplished by a pressure valve which controls the release of ballast so as to maintain flight above a selected pressure level until the supply of ballast is exhausted. See Moby Dick b ...

An instrument for recording ocean waves. Most recorders are designed for recording wind waves, that is waves of periods up to about 25 seconds, but some are designed to record waves of longer periods such as tsunamis or tides.

A photometric unit of illuminance or illumination equal to one lumen per square meter

A device attached to a meteorological instrument to provide ventilation; usually a suction fan.