The temperature at which all three phases of a substance can exist in equilibrium. This temperature occurs at only one pressure. The triple-point of water is 273.16 K and is the basis of the Kelvin scale.

Force wind-Wind with a speed above 64 knots (73 mph); Beaufort scale numbers 12 through 17.

Any wind blowing down an incline. If warm, it is a foehn. If cold, it may be a fall wind or a gravity wind.

Area of a computer or other device where various logic and control elements are interconnected. Often a printed circuit board into which other circuit boards plug at right angles.

A hygrometer using goldbeater's skin as the sensitive element. Variations of the physical dimensions of the skin caused by its hygroscopic character indicate relative humidity. (Note: Goldbeater's skin is the prepared outside membrane of the large intesti ...

(1) The ratio of the speeds of a chemical reaction at two temperatures differing by 10

An instrument designed to record the duration of sunshine at a given location without regard to intensity. See Campbell- Stokes recorder, Jordan sunshine recorder, Marvin sunshine recorder, Pers sunshine recorder.

Same as river gauge.

The maximum difference in output for any given input (within the specified range) when the value is approached first with increasing, and then with decreasing, input signals. Caused by energy absorption in the elements of the measuring instrument. Usually ...

That portion of the record of a microbarograph between any two (or a specified small number) of successive crossings of the average pressure level (in the same direction). Analogous to microseism.

A pyranometer developed by M. Robitzsch. Its design utilizes three bimetallic strips which are exposed horizontally at the center of a hemispherical glass bowl. The outer strips are white reflectors and the center strip is a blackened absorber. The bimeta ...

A hydrometeor consisting of an aggregate of microscopic and more-or-less hygroscopic water droplets suspended in the atmosphere. It reduces visibility to a lesser extent than fog. The relative humidity of mist is often less than 95 percent.

Same as pitot tube.

The difference between amounts of precipitation and runoff for a given storm. It is that portion of the precipitation that remains in the basin as soil moisture, surface storage, ground water, etc.

A sudden brief increase in the speed of the wind, followed by a lull or slackening. Compare to peak gust.

In radiometry, a measure of the intrinsic radiant intensity emitted by a radiator in a given direction.

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 ...

General term for an instrument used to make direct measurements of visual range or measurements of the physical characteristics of the atmosphere which determine the visible range.

Apparatus designed to measure and record the size distribution of raindrops as they occur in the atmosphere.

The group of bits which a computer processes as a unit; often, 8 bits.