Water vapor is a variable gas, and the only one that can "exist as a gas, liquid, or solid at temperatures and pressures [that are] near the Earth's surface" (Ahrens, 2008, p. 3). Water vapor is important to weather because it gives us precipitation, and gives us the greenhouse gas. It allows absorption of a portion of outgoing radient energy, and allows the warmth we feel over our surfaces (Ahrens, 2008, p. 4). Water vapor affects our climate because with no clouds, our Earth would be warmer. Furthermore, global cloudiness would give us a potential for a negative feedback on the change of climate (Ahrens, 2008, p. 38).
OK, I hope you have enjoyed our weather tidbit for the day, and to learn more, be sure to check out:
Ahrens, C. Donald. (2008). Essentials of Meteorology: An Invitation to the Atmosphere. USA: Brooks/Cole.
We will continue our Weather Tidbit for the day by discussing relative and specific humidity, and the dew point temperature. Until then... have an Awesome day!!!
Regards,
Dr. Anna
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