Meteorology

Meteorology

A database of terms pertaining to the scientific study of the atmosphere.

Contributors in Meteorology

Meteorology

(Symbol Hg. ) A metallic element, atomic number 80, atomic weight 200. 61; unique (for metals) in that it remains liquid under all but very extreme temperatures. Its density of 13. 596 g cm −3 and ...

meniscus

Weather; Meteorology

The crescent-shaped upper surface of a column of liquid. The curvature of this surface is dependent upon the cross-sectional area of the liquid and the relative ability of the liquid to wet the walls ...

melting point

Weather; Meteorology

The temperature at which a solid substance undergoes fusion, that is, melts, changes from solid to liquid form. The melting point of a substance should be considered a property of its crystalline ...

melting level

Weather; Meteorology

The altitude at which ice crystals and snowflakes begin to melt as they descend through the atmosphere. In cloud physics and in radar meteorology, this is the accepted term for the 0°C ...

melting layer

Weather; Meteorology

The altitude interval throughout which ice-phase precipitation melts as it descends. The top of the melting layer is the melting level. The melting layer may be several hundred meters deep, ...

melt pond

Weather; Meteorology

A pond of liquid water (mostly from melted snow) on the surface of sea ice, usually occurring in the spring. Melt ponds are common in the Arctic but less so in the Antarctic.

medium-range forecast

Weather; Meteorology

A forecast for a period extending from about three days to seven days in advance; there are no absolute limits to the period embraced by the definition. Compare long-range forecast, extended ...