Electromagnetic radiation of very short wavelength. lying within the wavelength interval of 0.1 to 1.5 angstroms (between gamma rays and ultraviolet radiation). X-rays penetrate various thicknesses of all solids, and they act on photographic plates in the ...

A protocol similar to RS232 which makes use of differential transmission to provide high speed data transmission over significantly longer distances.

A warm, dry wind on the lee side of a mountain range, the warmth and dryness due to adiabatic compression upon descent.

Any emission of light at temperatures below that required for incandescence.

Name given to the unit of pressure in the International System of Units (SI). Equal to 1 newton/meter2 or 0.01 millibar.

A component of a radiosonde consisting of a series of alternate electrically conducting and insulating strips. As these are scanned by a contact the radiosonde transmits temperature and humidity signals alternately. The contact may be a baroswitch as in t ...

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.

Temperature of equilibrium between the liquid and vapor phases of a substance at a given pressure.

Temperature assumed by an unsaturated air parcel when brought adiabatically to a standard pressure (1,000 mb).

The degree of conformity of an indicated value to an accepted standard value, or ideal value. See accuracy rating, measured accuracy.

The stage on a fixed river gauge at which it is necessary to begin issuing warnings or river forecasts if adequate precautionary measures are to be taken before flood stage is reached.

A rain gauge which is placed under trees or foliage to determine the rainfall in that location. By comparing this catch with that from a rain gauge set in the open. the amount of rainfall which has been intercepted by foliage can be determined.

An instrument for measuring the difference of the solar radiation falling on both sides of a horizontal surface from the whole hemisphere.

A small, limited-capacity central processing unit contained entirely on one semiconductor chip.

Sustained winds greater than or equal to 40 mph or gust greater than or equal to 58 mph.

The source of illumination for an antenna reflector. Also called antenna feed.

The intensity (flux per unit solid angle) of visible radiation weighted to take into account the variable response of the human eye as a function of the wavelength of light. Usually expressed in candles.

A water-temperature thermometer provided with an insulated container around the bulb. It is lowered into the sea on a line until it has had time to reach the temperature of the surface water, then withdrawn and read. The insulated water surrounding the bu ...

A relatively small-scale, downward moving current of air.

Precipitation composed of white or translucent ice crystals, chiefly in complex branched hexagonal forms.