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AIR ENVIRONMENT (REVIEW, AEROSPACE DIMENSIONS, MODULE 3) CHAPTERS 1 AND 2 CAPTAIN JERRY PAINTER AEROSPACE EDUCATION OFFICER COMPOSITE SQUADRON 316, (CIVIL AIR PATROL) CASA GRANDE, ARIZONA TERMS TO KNOW • CORIOLIS FORCE= DEFLECTS MOVING OBJECT TO THE RIGHT. • AUTUMNAL EQUINOX=SUN’S DIRECT RAYS STRIKE THE EQUATOR RESULTING IN DAY/NIGHT SAME LENGTH (NORTHERN HEMISPHERE). • SUMMER SOLSTICE=SUN NORTHERNMOST FROM THE EQUATOR (LONGEST DAY OF YEAR) USUALLY JUNE 21-22ND. • JET STREAM=“RIVER OF WIND” THAT DEVELOPS AT 30-40,000 FEET AND WINDS ACROSS THE U.S. (AND THE EARTH). • VERNAL (SPRING) EQUINOX=SUN’S RAYS STRIKE THE EQUATOR RESULTING IN DAY AND NIGHT OF EQUAL LENGTH (USUALLY MARCH 21ST/22ND. • WINTER SOLSTACE=SUN FARTHEST SOUTH ODF EQUATOR, AND NORTHERN HEMISPHERE. (DECEMBER 21ST/22ND). • AUTUMNAL EQUINOX=SUN’S DIRECT RAYS STRIKE EQUATOR RESULTING IN DAY/NIGHT BEING EQUAL LENGTH (USUALLY SEPTEMBER 22ND OR 23RD). • • RADIATION=METHOD BY WHICH SUN HEATS THE EARTH. • REVOLUTION=THE MOVEMENT OF THE EARTH AROUND THE SUN (365 DAYS=ONE REVOLUTION/ONE YEAR). ROTATION=EARTH ON AXIS AT AN ANGLE OF 23 ½ DEGREES (WHILE “REVOLVING” AROUND THE SUN). SOLAR RADIATION • THE SUN’S HEATING OF THE EARTH (SOLAR RADIATION) GIVES US OUR VARIOUS WEATHER CONDITIONS. THE THING TO REMEMBER IS THAT THE SUN, FOR A NUMBER OF REASONS, HEATS IN AN UNEVEN MANNER. • UNEQUAL HEATING CREATES “CIRCULATION” OR MOVEMENT OF AIR. THIS “CIRCULATION” SETS THE WHOLE WEATHER PROCESS IN MOTION!!!. • DAY/NIGHT, ROUGH/SMOOTH, LIGHT/DARK, LAND/WATER RESULT IN DIFFERENT HEATING. • WITH RADIATION COMES HEATING, AFTER THE SUN SETS, COOLING RESULTS (DIFFERENT SURFACES AGAIN, RESULT IN DIFFERING HEAT LOSS!!! • • • ROTATION (DAY), REVOLUTION (YEAR) BELOW TOP: ROTATION=NIGHT/DAY BOTTOM LEFT: SUMMER/WINTER BOTTOM RIGHT: SPRING/FALL • BELOW: THE YEAR GENERAL WIND PATTERNS (CIRCULATION) • • • THE WORLD-WIDE WIND SYSTEM TRANSFERING HEAT BETWEEN TROPICAL AND POLAR REGIONS. MOST HEAT IS IN EQUATORIAL AREAS, HEAT RISES (NORTHWARD) LEAVING LOW PRESSURE AREAS BEHIND. • NEAR 30 DEGREES NORTH AND SOUTH OF EQUATOR, THIS WARM AIR BEGINS COOLING AND SINKING. MOST OF COOLING AIR MOVES BACK TOWARD EQUATOR. • BUT: SOME CONTINUES NORTH OR SOUTH TO THE POLAR REGIONS WHERE IT TOO, WILL BEGIN TO MOVE SOUTH AGAIN!! • TRADE WINDS=AIR MOVEMENTS TO THE EQUATOR,WARM,STEADY, SEEN TO ABOUT 30 DEGREES NORTH AND SOUTH • • TRADES MEET NEAR EQUATOR= DOLDRUMS (BECALMED AREA) • • • PREVAILING WESTERLIES=30 TO 60 DEGREES NORTH (PRODUCE MOST OF OUR WEATHER U.S./CANADA) • POLAR EASTERLIES=COOLING AIR OVER THE POLES CORIOLIS FORCE (EARTH MOVES OUT FROM UNDER THE AIRCRAFT!!!) CORIOLIS • • • • • ABOVE: GENERAL CIRCULATION EQUATOR TO THE POLES LOWER RIGHT: HADLEY CIRCULATION JUST BELOW: DIFFERING DEPICTION OF HADLEY AREAS OF OUR ATMOSPHERE • EXOSPHERE=NEAR OUTERSPACE SPACE EXOSPHERE=NEAR OUTER • THERMOPAUSE=MERGES TO THERMOPAUSE=MERGES TOEXOSPER. EXOSPER. • • THERMOSPHERE=WARMING -100 THERMOSPHERE=WARMING -100TOTO +300 FF +300 • MESOPAUSE=MERGE TO MESOPAUSE=MERGE TOTHERMO. THERMO. • • • MESOSPHERE =30 TO 50 MILES =30 TO MESOSPHERE =30 TO 50 MILES =30 TO -100 F -100 F STRATOPAUSE =MERGE TO MESOPHERE STRATOPAUSE =MERGE TO MESOPHERE • • STRATOSPHERE=DRY AND STRATOSPHERE=DRY AND TO =/-0 F CLOUDLESS (10-30MILES)-50 • TROPOPAUSE=TROPOSPHERE MERGES INTO THE STRATOSPHERE TROPOPAUSE=TROPOSPHERE MERGES INTO THE • • CLOUDLESS (10-30MILES)-50 TO =/-0 F STRATOSPHERE TROPOSPHERE=WHERE WE LIVE (SURFACE TO 40-50,000 FEET/10 MILES) +90 TO -60F TROPOSPHERE=WHERE WE LIVE (SURFACE TO 4050,000 FEET/10 MILES) +90 TO -60F (TEMPERATURE TRACE) THE JETSTREAM • BELOW: THE JETSTREAM EXPLAINED!!! • NORMALLY CROSSES NORTH AMERICA WEST TO EAST AT SOMEWHERE BETWEEN 30-40,000 FEET, 50 TO 100 MILES WIDE, AND THOUSANDS OF MILES LONG. • DEVELOPS IN RESPONSE TO LARGE TEMPERATURE DIF-FERENCES OVER A RELATIVELY SMALL AREA (GRADIENT) CAUSEING LARGE PRESSURE DIFFERENCES (GENERATING A STRONG “RIVER” OF WIND IN THE ATMOSPHERE). • • JET WINDS USUALLY BETWEEN 100 AND 300 MPH WITH AN AVERAGE OF ABOUT 130 MPH. (SPEEDS APPROACHING 500 MPH HAVE BEEN NOTED!!!) • FLIGHTS OFTEN “RIDE” THE JETSTREAM (WEST TO EAST) BUT CAN SUFFER IF “FIGHTING THE STRONG FLOW (EAST TO WEST!) A SHORT REVIEW • 1. THE SUN HEATS THE EARTH THROUGH A METHOD KNOWN • AS RADIATION. • 2. AMOUNT OF SUN’S RADIATION ABSORBED BY EARTH’S • SURFACE IS 50%. • 3. ON MARCH 21ST, (SPRING/VERNAL EQUINOX) THE SUN’S • RAYS WILL BE STRIKING THE EQUATOR. • 4. A MOVING OBJECT (IN NORTHERN HEMISPHERE) BEING • DEFLECTED TO THE RIGHT OF INTENDED PATH IS KNOWN AS • THE CORIOLIS FORCE. • 5. WARM, STEADY, NEAR CONTINUOUS WINDS MOVING TOWARD THE EQUATOR ARE KNOWN AS THE TRADE WINDS. AIR ENVIRONMENT (REVIEW, AEROSPACE DIMENSIONS, MODULE 3) CHAPTER 3 CAPTAIN JERRY PAINTER AEROSPACE EDUCATION OFFICER COMPOSITE SQUADRON 316, (CIVIL AIR PATROL) CASA GRANDE, ARIZONA IMPORTANT TERMS, WEATHER ELEMENTS • Condensation: The process of converting water vapor to liquid • • • Dew Point: The temperature at which the air becomes saturated • ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE=WEIGHT OF ALL THE ATMOSPHERE’S GASES/MATTER ON EARTH’S SURFACE (ABOUT 13#/SQ INCH) BEAUFORT SCALE=SCALE/METHOD FOR ESTIMATING WIND SPEED (BOTH LAND AND SEA). • Fog: Tiny droplets of liquid water in contact with the surface • • Precipitation: General term given to various types of condensed water vapor • HEAT=TOTAL ENERGY OF ALL MOLECULES WITHIN A SUBSTANCE. Saturation: A parcel of air is holding as much water vapor as it can • WIND=BODY OF AIR IN MOTION. • TEMPERATURE=MEASURE OF MOLECULAR MOTION EXPRESSED ON A MAN-MADE SCALE. • • Relative Humidity: Amount of water vapor in the air compared to its water vapor capacity at a given temperature WIND AND HOW IT’S MEASURED • • • • GENERAL PUBLIC: MILES PER HOUR (STATUATE MILE, 5280 FT) AND DIRECTION IS WHERE THE WIND IS MOVING FROM! WEST EAST SOUTH NORTH • AVIATION, BOTH CIVIL/MILITARY: MEASURED IN KNOTS PER HOUR (KNOT=1.151 MILES PER HOUR OR, ABOUT 15% FASTER THAN “STATUATE MILES” AT 6077 VS 5280 FEET). AN EXAMPLE: 35 STATUATE MPH=40.3 KNOTS “KPH”!! • • • ESTIMATING THE WIND: FLAG NOT MOVING=CALM FLAG MOVING=10-20 MPH AND THE FLAG “STRAIGHT OUT” MEANS MORE THAN 30 MPH OR 26 KNOTS/PER HOUR. • NEXT WE WILL LOOK AT THE BEAUFORT SCALE (SINCE 1805) BEAUFORT WIND SCALE • Force 0 Strength: Calm Speed: Less than 1 mile per hour (mph), less than 2 kilometers per hour (kph) Observations: Tree leaves don't move, smoke rises vertically, sea is calm Force 1 Strength: Light Air Speed: 1-3 mph, 2-6 kph Observations: Tree leaves don't move, smoke drifts slowly, sea is lightly rippled Force 2 Strength: Slight Breeze Speed: 4-7 mph, 7-11 kph Observations: Tree leaves rustle, flags wave slightly, small wavelets or scale waves Force 3 Strength: Gentle Breeze Speed: 8-12 mph, 12-19 kph Observations: Leaves and twigs in constant motion, small flags extended, long un-breaking waves Force 4 Strength: Moderate Breeze Speed: 13-18 mph, 20-29 kph Observations: Small branches move, flags flap, waves with some whitecaps Force 5 Strength: Fresh Breeze Speed: 19-24 mph, 30-39 kph Observations: Small trees sway, flags flap and ripple, moderate waves with many whitecaps • Force 6 Strength: Strong Breeze Speed: 25-31 mph, 40-50 kph Observations: Large branches sway, flags beat and pop, larger waves with regular whitecaps Force 7 Strength: Moderate Gale Speed: 32-38 mph, 51-61 kph Observations: Whole trees sway, large waves ("heaping sea") Force 8 Strength: Fresh Gale Speed: 39-46 mph, 62-74 Observations: Twigs break off trees, moderately high sea with blowing foam Force 9 Strength: Strong Gale Speed: 47-54 mph, 75-87 kph Observations: Branches break off trees, shingles blown from roofs, high crested waves Force 10 Strength: Whole Gale Speed: 55-63 mph, 88-101 kph Observations: Some trees blown down, damage to buildings, high churning white sea Force 11 Strength: Storm Speed: 64-74 mph, 101 kph-119 kph Observations: Widespread damage to trees and buildings, mountainous waves Force 12 Strength: Hurricane Speed: 75 mph or greater, 120 kph or greater Observations: Severe and extensive damage WIND CHILL (INDEX) • WIND CHILL IS THE COMPARISON OF TEMPERATURE (OAT) AND WIND SPEED TO EXPLAIN “HOW COLD IT FEELS”!!! • EXAMPLE: IF THE OUTSIDE AIR TEMPERATURE IS +10 DEGREES F., AND THE WIND IS AT 20 MPH OUR “WIND CHILL READING” WILL BE AROUND -24 DEGREES F. • CALM WINDS MEAN THE OAT (OUTSIDE AIR TEMP) AND “CHILL INDEX READING” WILL BE THE SAME HEAD/TAIL/CROSS WINDS • AIRCRAFT TAKE-OFF INTO THE WIND AS THE “HEADWIND” WILL INCREASE THE LIFT ALLOWING A SHORTER AND SAFER TAKE-OFF ROLL. • WINDS AT AN ANGLE (CROSS-WINDS) CAN BE DANGEROUS (CAN FLIP AN AIRCRAFT). THESE WINDS ACTUALLY STRIKE AIRCRAFT SIDE RATHER THAN FRONT OR TAIL!! • TAKING OFF WITH THE WIND (DOWNWIND) ROBS THE BIRD OF LIFT AND, AT BEST, LENGTHENS THE TAKE-OFF ROLL. AT WORST, ONE MAY RUN OUT OF RUNWAY PRIOR TO LIFT OFF!!! • • BELOW: NOTE THE LEFT WING DRAGGING ON THE GROUND!!! OTHER FACTORS OF THE WIND • • • • • • • • • • • • • • FIGURING THE WIND AS WE FLIGHT PLAN!!!! TAILWIND PLANE 1. TAILWIND FRONT IF THE AIRCRAFT IS TRAVELING AT 140 KNOTS (OVER THE GROUND SPEED), ANY TAILWIND IS ADDED (SAY 20 KNOTS). THIS MEANS THAT OUR “OVER THE GROUND SPEED IS 140KTS + THE ADDITIONAL 20KTS ON THE TAIL = GROUND SPEED NOW 160 KNOTS. DIR. OF MOVMNT PLANE FRONT HEADWIND 2. HEADWIND IF THE PLANE IS MOVING AT 140 KTS RELATIVE TO THE GROUND, AND HEAD-WIND INCREASES TO 20 KNOTS, THIS WILL BE SUBTRACTED; OVER THE GROUND SPEED WILL BE ONLY 120 KNOTS. THUNDERSTORMS & “DOWNBURSTS • • DOWNDRAFTS MAY EXCEED 130 KNOTS, NOT USUALLY CATASTROPHIC AT ALTITUDE, BUT VERY CRITICAL IN THE LIFT-OFF AND LET-DOWN PHASES, MAY NOT BE TIME TO RECOVER FROM SEVERE DOWNDRAFTS PUSHING THE AIRCRAFT!!! AT MID LEVEL ALTITUDE MODERATE TO SEVERE TURBULENCE , HAIL, LIGHTENING, ST. ELMO’S FIRE (“BALL LIGHTENING”), AND HARD HADLING CAN BE THE CASE. • • BELOW: THE THUNDERSTORM AND THE DOWNDRAFT (“DOWNBURST”) TEMPERATURE & TEMP FORMULA’S • • • UNEVEN HEATING OF THE EARTH’S SURFACE CREATES TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE DIFFERENCES WHICH CAUSE THE AIR TO “MOVE”!! • • • HEAT IN BASIC FORM IS: ENERGY (TOTAL ENERGY OF MOLECULES WITHIN A SUBSTANCE). • MOLECULES IN MOTION DUE TO UNEVEN HEATING. • • • HEAT IS A RELATIVE TERM (ESPECIALLY WHEN PRESENTED AS “TEMPERATURE”!!! MEASURE OF MOLECULAR MOTION EXPRESSED ON MAN-MADE SCALE IN EITHER FAHRENHEIT (F), CELSIUS (C) SOMETIMES CALLED “CENTIGRADE”, OR KELVIN (K). • FAHRENHEIT’S FREEZING=+32 DEGREES, BOILING POINT=+212. CELSIUS FREEZING=+/- 0 DEGREES, BOILING POINT=100 DEGREES. KELVIN FREEZING=273 DEGREES, BOILING POINT=373 DEGREES (KELVIN USED FOR SCIENTIFIC PURPOSES) CONVERSION BETWEEN FAHRENHEIT AND CELSIUS IS EASY WITH A FORMULA. F=(1.8 x C)+32 OR C=(F1/8)32 OR F= 9/5C + 32 • EXAMPLE: IF C=100 IN THE ABOVE FORMULA, THEN F=212 • A FINAL WAY (RULE OF THUMB) TAKE TEMP “C”, DOUBLE IT AND THEN SUBTRACT 10%, FINALLY ADDING 32. TEMPERATURE EXTREMES • • EXTREME TEMPERATURE’S, EITHER HOT OR COLD, WILL CAUSE PROBLEMS AND CAN BECOME CATASTROPHIC TO AVIATION! • EXTREME COLD: OIL AND FUEL THICKENS, METAL BECOMES BRITTLE. PEOPLE SUFFER FROSTBITE IN AS LITTLE AS 30 SECS.!! • IN ALASKA, SMALLER AIRCRAFT CEASE OPERATIONS BY MINUS -30 F. • ALL COMMERCIAL (JETS) FLIGHTS ARE GROUNDED BY -40 F. ALL ROUTINE MILITARY AVIATION ALSO STOPS AT -40 F. • EXTREME HEAT: LUBRICANTS THIN OUT, SUB UNITS CAN FAIL. • WORLDS HIGHEST: 136 DEGREES, EL AZIZA, LIBYA 09/13/1922 • U.S. HIGHEST: 134 DEGREES, FURNACE CREEK (DEATH VALLEY) CALIFORNIA 07/10/1913 • WORLDS LOWEST: -108 DEGREES F, RUSSIAN ANTARCTIC SITE • LOWESTED POPULATED: OYMYAKON, YAKUTIA PROV., NORTH CENTRAL SIBERIA -90.4 F, JAN. 1927 – THINNER AIR CAUSES LESS LIFT AND TAKEOFF ROLL IS EXTENDED, AS MUCH AS DOUBLE OR MORE. • NORTH AMERICA: -84 F, SNAG, YUKON TER., CD. 1942 – JET AIRCRAFT ARE AFFECTED MORE BECAUSE THE THINNER AIR THROUGH – THE ENGINE ALSO CAUSES LESS POWER GENERATION ALONG WITH THE DECREASED LIFT. • • • U.S. ALASKA: -80 F, PROSPECT CREEK, ALASKA LOWER 48: -66 F, RIVERSIDE WYOMING MINNESOTA -64 F, EMBARRASS, PRESSURE INSTRUMENTS (BAROMETERS) • PRESSURE DIFFERENCES ALSO CREATED BY UNEVEN HEATING!! • • • • ALL ATMOS. GASES HAVE MOLECULAR ENERGY AND WEIGHT, WEIGHT PRESSES DOWN ON EARTH’S SURFACE. • MEASURED WITH BAROMETER, (MERCURIAL ) AND SOME ARE “SPRING LOADED” WITH WEIGHTS. MEASURED IN “INCHES OF MERCURY” (AVG IS 29.92 INCHES). A RECORDING BAROMETER IS A “BAROGRAPH”. • MERCURY BAROMETERS SCIENTIFIC, WEATHER STATIONS MAY HAVE THEM BUT WILL DEFINATLY HAVE AN ANEROID BAROMETER AND A BAROGRAPH. BELOW, LEFT & RIGHT: MERCURY BAROMETER, ANEROID BAROMETER, BOTTOM RIGHT: RECORDING ANEROID BAROMETER ALTIMETER (ANEROID BAROMETER) • STANDARD ALTIMETER: IT’S AN “ANEROID BAROMETER” CALIBRATED IN FEET INSTEAD OF SEA LEVEL PRESSURE IN INCHES OR MILLIBARS • NOTE THE SMALL WINDOW WITH 29.9 AND 30.0. • ONE TURNS THE BLACK KNOB UNTIL THE STANDARD ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE SHOWS IN THE LITTLE WINDOW. AT THAT TIME, THE PROPER PRESSURE WILL INDICATE IN FEET HOW HIGH ONE IS!!! ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE • BAROMETRIC EXTREMES: • HUMAN SENSITIVITY • AVERAGE WORLD WIDE PRESSURE= 29.92 INCHES OR 1013.2 • WE TO, ARE SENSITIVE TO ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE CHANGES, HERE’S A COUPLE OF EXAMPLES!!! • HIGHEST: AGATA USSR (SIBERIA) 32.01 INCHES, TEMP 55 F 12/31/1968 • LOWEST: 25.69 INCHES 10/12/1979, TYPHOON “TIP” (NEAR CLARK AB, PHILIPPINES) • LOWEST U.S.: 27.13 INCHES AT ST. PAUL ISLAND ALASKA 250 MILES OUT IN BERING SEA (WINDS WERE 122 KTS) • OUR EARS REACT TO THE CHANGES AS AN AIRPLANE “CLIMBS OUT” OR “LETS DOWN”, ESPECIALLY IF WE HAVE A COLD AND OUR EAR PASSAGES MAY BE BLOCKED!!! • IF WE HAVE AN EAR INFECTION, VERY REAL PAIN WILL BE FELT IN THESE CONDITIONS!!! A SHORT REVIEW!!! • 1. TOTAL ENERGY OF ALL MOLECULES IN A SUBSTANCE IS • CALLED “HEAT”!!!! • 2. THE INSTRUMENT THAT RECORDS PRESSURE VALUES IS • AN “ANEROID BAROGRAPH”!!! • 3. A FULLY EXTENDED FLAG USUALLY INDICATES A WIND • OF AROUND “30 MPH OR MORE”!!! • 4. WHEN TALKING OF WIND AND TEMPERATURE (HOW • COLD IT REALLY FEELS) WE ARE DISCUSSING • “WIND CHILL”!!! • 5. FAHRENHEIT’S BOILING POINT IS: 100 OR 212 DEGREES. AIR ENVIRONMENT (REVIEW, AEROSPACE DIMENSIONS, MODULE 3) CHAPTER 3 CAPTAIN JERRY PAINTER AEROSPACE EDUCATION OFFICER COMPOSITE SQUADRON 316, (CIVIL AIR PATROL) CASA GRANDE, ARIZONA • • • • • TERMS; THEN MOISTURE IMPORTANT TERMS Condensation: The process of converting water vapor to liquid Dew Point: The temperature at which the air becomes saturated Fog: Tiny droplets of liquid water in contact with the surface • • • • • • • • • • Precipitation: General term given to various types of condensed water vapor • • • Saturation: A parcel of air is holding as much water vapor as it can Relative Humidity: Amount of water vapor in the air compared to its water vapor capacity at a given temperature • • • • • • • • MOISTURE Without moisture in the atmosphere, weather could not exist. Most important element in the development of the weather. Main component for clouds, rain, snow and fog. Moisture exists in three states: 1. SOLID 2. LIQUID 3. GAS As a gas, it’s called WATER VAPOR (Always present in atmosphere) When air gets to the point where it is holding all water possible, SATURATION is reached SATURATION defined as the air holding as much water vapor as possible Temperature where air becomes saturated is called the “DEW POINT” (Not Fixed) If temperature decreases below its dew point, CONDENSATION occurs. Converting water vapor to a liquid forms CLOUDS and/or FOG!! FOG • As mentioned earlier, one A form of condensation • Is FOG • • Composed of tiny droplets of water, layer in contact with Earths surface, FOG is actually a CLOUD • touching the ground. • • Fog forms when the temperature and dew point are within five degrees of each other with very light winds • Pilots frequently encounter fog, it’s mostly dangerous during takeoffs and landings due to VISIBILITY restrictions • Pilots encountering FOG usually use their instruments (IFR Flight Rules) to avoid ground objects. • LEFT TO RIGHT: FOG, FOG LIFTING, • AND ABOVE THE FOG! CLOUD DESCRIPTIONS • CLOUDS IN GENERAL • Clouds result from condensation and are made up of minute droplets of water or tiny crystals of ice, or both. • • • • • • • Clouds are visible indications of what is going on with the weather. The more we learn about clouds, the more we learn about what to expect from the WEATHER!!. Three basic cloud forms, and Clouds are classified by both appearance and height • Cumulus clouds, normally white, billowy, puffy clouds “Cotton Balls” Cumulus (normally) is a fair weather cloud indicating good weather. • (Left) Stratus has a uniform appearance, often thin with little vertical development. It is sheet-like in appearance. Stratus is gray, not white. Cumulus and stratus are found low in the sky and close to the ground (surface to about 6,500 feet). (Below) • Cirrus Clouds • Cirrus clouds are high, usually at or above 20,000 feet. Tend to be white, thin, wispy clouds, in patches, filaments, hooks or bands. Because of their height, they are mainly composed of ice crystals. (Below) BASIC CLOUDS, THEN THUNDERSTORMS • Ten basic cloud types come from the three basic cloud forms. • These ten basic cloud types are accepted as the world's main cloud types. • • We will see what they look like and get a feel for differences. • • Nimbostratus produces STEADY rain that can last for hours. • Cumulonumbus clouds produce thunderstorms with their lightning. • • This cloud also produces heavy rain showers, strong winds, hail and even tornadoes. • • Thunder, Lightning and Hail are only from the Cumulonimbus type cloud • It’s a VERTICAL Climber!!! CLOUDS WITHIN THE ATMOSPHERE • • • • • • • HIGH CLOUD ABOVE 6000MTR 20000 FT. ________ MID LEVEL 2000-6000 METERS • • 6500 TO 20,000 FT. • • • • • ________ LOW CLOUDS BELOW 6000 FT 2000 MTR CLOUD HAZARDS AND TURBULENCE • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Another feature of Cumulonimbus is the Mammatus development This feature occurs at the base of the cloud, looks like bulges or pouches. Mammatus formations indicate that instability of the atmosphere is in the area Tornadoes often originate within these clouds. These clouds indicate severe weather nearby in almost all cases • • • • • • • • • • Normally, clouds do not present a problem for airplanes • • Obviously, an exception to this is the Cumulonimbus cloud. • • Pilots WILL NOT knowingly fly into Thunderstorms or Tornadoes. In general, cumulus clouds are associated with a flight hazard known as Turbulence. Turbulence is an unrest or disturbance of the air. It refers to the instability of the air. Turbulence is the motion of the air that affects the smoothness. Unstable air is turbulent air, whereas stable air is smooth with very little turbulence. Cumulus clouds are formed by convection, which is defined as warm air rising. This rising warm air comes in contact with cooler air causing the Turbulence. Pilots know they may encounter turbulence when they fly through Cumulus clouds. Pilots also know that turbulence can cause very bumpy rides or even damage, especially in smaller planes. CONDENSATION BRINGS RAIN, ICE • • • • • • • • Precipitation is the general term given to types of condensed water vapor such as rain, snow or ice. • Precipitation falling to the ground as a liquid is called rain. Rain is measured with a rain gauge. • • Precipitation affects flying through the pilot's visibility and runway conditions. The harder it rains/snows, the more visibility is reduced and precipitation will make the runway wet. These many basic aspects of weather can have farreaching impacts on flying. Precipitation reaching the ground, freezing upon contact with various surfaces, such as the ground, a highway or cars is called freezing rain. • • • • • • • • • • • • Freezing rain can AND WILL, cause hazardous conditions. Ice on car windshields is hard to scrape, but on a highway it is a major problem for motorists and on a runway it can be a disaster. Ice creates huge problems for aircraft. Ice on the runway can raise havoc as a plane tries to land. The plane can lose directional control and take longer to come to a full stop which may cause accidents. Ice creates huge problems for aircraft. • Ice on the runway can raise havoc as a plane tries to land. Critical condition: Ice in the airplane's engine (Carburetor Icing) • Ice forming in the carburetor will reduce or stop fuel flow to engine. The plane can lose directional control and take longer to come to a full stop which may cause accidents. Precipitation reaching the ground, freezing upon contact with various surfaces, such as the ground, a highway or cars is called freezing rain. • • • • Carburetor heat is applied to help solve the ice problem. Ice can also form on a plane's windshield, propeller or wings. ICING, HAZARDS & BOTTOM RIGHT WILL “CRASH” YOU • POINTS TO REMEMBER • If left to accumulate, it will cause weight, lift and visibility problems. • • Pilots will quickly change flying altitude to get away from the ice. • Weather Forecasters brief pilots on possible icy conditions before they take off. • Moisture is most important element when it comes to developing weather. • The amount of moisture in the atmosphere along with temperature and humidity determines whether saturation or condensation is reached. • There are three basic cloud forms: cumulus, stratus and cirrus. A FEW FOR REVIEW !!!!!!!! • 1. A parcel of air holding all of the water it can defines • Saturation. • 2. The temperature at which air becomes saturated is called • Dew Point. • 3. What are the three basic cloud forms? • Cumulus, Stratus and Cirrus • 4. Which cloud has a uniform, sheet-like appearance with very little vertical development? • Stratus • 5. True/False Moisture in the form of a gas is called condensation. • 6. True/False A cloud touching the ground is called fog. AIR ENVIRONMENT (REVIEW, AEROSPACE DIMENSIONS, MODULE 3) CHAPTER 4 CAPTAIN JERRY PAINTER AEROSPACE EDUCATION OFFICER COMPOSITE SQUADRON 316, (CIVIL AIR PATROL) CASA GRANDE, ARIZONA CHAPTER 4 •WEATHER •SYSTEMS • AND • WEATHER CHANGES WEATHER TERMS TO KNOW • • • • • • • When the Weather “Guy” on “TV” talks of a large weather system/pattern moving into your area, he is talking of an air mass or a front. • HURRICANE: Tropical cyclone (low pressure) with strong winds, heavy rain and possible Thunderstorms /Tornadoes. An approaching air mass or front will influence and change the weather in your area. • HURRICANE: Tropical cyclone (low pressure) with strong winds, heavy rain and possible Thunderstorms /Tornadoes. • THUNDERSTORM: Cumulonimbus cloud with thunder/lightning and often strong winds, rain and sometimes hail. • TORNADO: Whirling funnel of air of very low pressure and very strong winds; can suck up anything in its path and must touch the ground to be called a tornado. We also take a look at severe weather and some of their effects. NOW, SOME TERMS!! AIR MASS: Huge body of air with the same temperature and moisture characteristics FRONT: Boundary between two air masses. AIR MASSES • An air mass is a huge body of air, usually 1,000 miles or more across that has the same temperature and moisture characteristics. • • When an air mass travels out of its area of origin, it carries those characteristics with it. • • An air mass' place of origin is called its source region, and the nature of the source region largely determines the initial characteristics of an air mass. • • BELOW: AIR MASS “SOURCE REGIONS” AIR MASSES & CLASSIFICATION • • • • • • An air mass is a huge body of air, usually 1,000 miles or more across that has the same temperature and moisture characteristics. When an air mass travels out of its area of origin, it carries those characteristics with it. An air mass' place of origin is called its source region, and the nature of the source region largely determines the initial characteristics of an air mass. The ideal source region must be very large and the physical features must be consistent throughout. • Land located next to water is not a good source region. • Tropical and polar locations are the best source regions. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • AIR MASS CLASSIFICATION Air masses are classified by their source region and the nature of the surface in this source region. Identified by a two-letter code consisting of a lowercase letter and a capital letter. The lowercase is either (maritime) or (continental). Maritime stands for water (high moisture and wet) cA continental cP continental cT continental mT maritime mP maritime mE maritime arctic polar tropical tropical polar equatorial COLD & WARM FRONTS COLD FRONT Cold fronts occur when the air moving into the area is colder than the already present warmer air. • • • The heavier, colder air pushes the warmer air up and out of the way. • • In general, cold fronts move faster than warm fronts. So, the colder air is rapidly pushing the warmer air out. (BELOW: COLD FRONT) (BELOW: COLD FRONT) • • • • • WARM FRONT Occurs when warm air moves into an area of colder air and they collide. The warm air overrides (rides “up”) the cold because it is lighter. The heavier colder air sinks. (BELOW: WARM FRONT) • Occluded fronts involve three differing air masses and are classified as either cold occluded or warm occluded. • In the cold occluded, cold air moves in and collides with warmer air pushing the warm air aloft. Then, the leading edge of this cold front comes in contact with the trailing edge of the cooler surface air that was below the warm air. • • Because the advancing air is the coldest, it sinks to the surface and causes the cooler air to rise. • However, the cooler air is still cooler than the warm air, so it continues to push the warm air above it. • In the warm occluded front, cool air is advancing to collide with the air in your area. • Since the cooler air is warmer than the colder surface air, the cooler air rides up over the cold air. • Once again, the cooler air is cooler than the warm air that was already aloft, so the cooler air continues to push the warmer air up. OCCLUDED FRONTS FRONTS AS THEY ARE DRAWN • THE COLD FRONT • WARM FRONT • STATIONARY • FRONT • OCCLUDED FRONT SEVERE WEATHER • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • THUNDERSTORMS TORNADOES HURRICANES These are the three weather phenomena to discuss in this area. All three are powerful and devastating, damaging property and bringing destruction. All three are dangerous and can be deadly. This section will give you information about these three severe weather phenomena and help you prepare for them. • T-storms (T=Thunder) usually contain heavy rain, strong winds and often hail. • Thunderstorms have three stages: Building, Mature and Dissipating. • • • • • • Spotting Cumulonimbus clouds is a sign of severe weather conditions (It is a Thunder-Storm). All three severe weather phenomena can be associated with Cumulonimbus clouds. Thunderstorms are from cumulonimbus clouds and always have thunder and lightning. • Building stage is dominated by updrafts as the storm builds vertically. In time, the moisture carried up with the storm gets heavier and starts to fall. This creates downdrafts. Updrafts are still occurring, the moisture now moves up and down several times. This activity describes the Mature stage. The last stage has downdrafts only and is called the Dissipating stage. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • LIGHTENING AND SAFETY The most spectacular and dangerous part of a thunderstorm is the lightning. • Lightning kills. On average, over 200 people are killed every year in the U.S., and another 500-600 are injured by lightning strikes. Lightning discharges millions of volts of electricity and heats the air to 60,000 F. • • • • • • • • • • • If inside, stay away from windows and doors. • Stay away from metal objects (golf clubs, fishing poles, bicycles, or motorcycles). Lightning has been noted to extend to as far as 90 miles from the Cumulonimbus cloud. At any time in the world, 2,000 thunderstorms are occurring. From these storms there are 100 lightning strikes per second!!!! Thunderstorms can occur anytime, anywhere. There is an old saying that lightning does not strike twice in the same place? NOT TRUE! The Empire State Building has been struck many times during the same storm. Lightning kills. On average, over 200 people are killed every year in the U.S., and another 500-600 are injured by lightning strikes. If inside, stay away from windows and doors. • • • • • • • • Don't use electrical appliances. Don't use the telephone or take a shower/bath. If outdoors, go inside if you can. Move away from water (swimming pools and lakes). If you are in a boat, go ashore. Don't stand in an open field, on a hilltop or on a golf course (stay low by sitting or crouching). Don't stand under a single tree (if you must be under a tree, look for a clump of small trees or trees of similar height). If in a group of people, stay low and spread out. If in a car, stay there. THUNDERSTORMS & THE PILOT • • • • • • • • • Thunderstorms present several challenges to pilots. Thunderstorms come from Cumulonimbus clouds, meaning unstable air due to the thunderstorm having violent up and down drafts. Unstable air causes turbulence and, in particular, heavy turbulence, raises havoc with aircraft. Thunderstorms bring rain, often heavy, and even hail. Hail can do serious damage to airplanes. Thunderstorms too, are always accompanied by thunder and lightening. • Pilots are aware of the dangers associated with thunderstorms and try flying above or around them. • As seen below, tornado’s and lightening go “hand-in-hand” in the Thunderstorm!!!! • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • TORNADO One of the most severe weather phenomena is the tornado. A tornado is very destructive and can be devastating to life and property. Tornadoes have occurred in every month of the year and in every state in the U.S. About 700 tornadoes are reported in the U.S. annually. Tornadoes consist of unstable air of very low pressure, most move (ROTATE) in a counterclockwise manner. Air is sucked into the center, or vortex of the storm, rapidly lifted and cooled. The funnel of a tornado appears dark (nearly black) as it moves picking up dirt and debris. Tornadoes will normally touch down for several miles then go back up in the cloud, and may touch down again later. It will do this many times during its life. A tornado is usually 50 to 500 yards wide and moves across the ground at about 70 mph. • • • • • These are just averages, as they can move twice as fast, or as slow as 5 mph. A tornado's winds are estimated to go higher than 300 knots, this is the main reason for the great destruction associated with tornadoes. The Fujita Wind Damage Scale explains the categories of wind speed and expected damage. • • • • • • • FUJITA WIND DAMAGE SCALE Number Wind Speed Damage F-0 Up to 72 mph light F-1 73 to 112 mph moderate F-2 113 to 157 mph considerable F-3 158 to 206 mph severe F-4 207 to 260 mph devastating • • IF TORNADO APPROACHES: If time permits, get to a basement or underground. • If in open country, move at right angles (90 ) away • If there is time, get to a low place, like a ditch and lie down. • If indoors, stay away from windows. • If you don't have a basement, get to an interior hall, closet or bathroom. TROPICAL STORMS AND HURRICANES • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • A good case could be made for hurricanes as the most dangerous of storms. • • DEVELOPMENTAL SEQUENCE Before tropical cyclones develop into hurricanes, they are divided into three categories depending on the wind speed. • Lowest category is a tropical disturbance, then a tropical depression, and finally a tropical storm. They produce many thunderstorms and tornadoes within their system. Secondly, although winds are not as strong as a tornadoes, they are often above 100 knots. Hurricanes affect a large area, hundreds of miles wide, and they usually last more than a week. • • • • Often they flood coastal cities and dump many inches of rain. The winds, along with tidal waves, demolish homes routinly. • • • Hurricanes affect a large area, hundreds of miles wide, and they usually last more than a week. • Often they flood coastal cities and dump many inches of rain. • The winds, along with the tidal waves, demolish homes on a routine basis. • • A tropical storm's winds must be between 39 and 74 mph. If the winds go above 74 mph, the cyclone becomes a hurricane. STRENGTH DETERMINATION Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Damage Potential Scale Category 1 Category 2 Category 3 Category 4 Category 5 Pressure 28.94 28.50-28.91 27.91-28.47 27.17-27.88 27.17 Wind 75-95 mph 96-110 mph 111-130 mph 131-155 mph 155 mph Storm Surge 4-5 ft 6-8 ft 9-12 ft 13-18 ft 18 ft • One distinctive feature of every hurricane is the eye. • • The eye is the center of the storm. • • It consists of calm or very light winds and clear skies or very few clouds. • • It is calm and peaceful, yet surrounded by violence and force on all sides. • • The average eye is about 10-15 miles wide. • • After the eye passes, the winds roar and blow as strong as before. • BELOW: “EYE” OF THE HURRICANE REVIEW • 1. A huge body of air, usually 1,000 miles or more across is called an AIR MASS. • • 2. Which of the following responses is correct for an air mass twoletter code of cA? CONTINENTAL ARCTIC • • 3. Cold air moving into an area, pushing the warmer air up and out of the way defines the COLD FRONT • • 4. The three stages of a thunderstorm are BUILDING, MATURE and DISSIPATING • • 5. What distinguishes the "eye" of a hurricane? THE CALM AT THE STORM’S CENTER • • 6. In a hurricane, winds that are greater than 155 mph cause the hurricane to be classified as CATEGORY 5. CIVIL AIR PATROL SQUADRON 316, CASA GRANDE (ARIZONA WING) • • • • • THIS CONCLUDES OUR REVIEW BASED ON MODULE 3, “AIR ENVIRONMENT” THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION! CAPTAIN PAINTER