Section 2
Using data from a nearby radiosonde station, plot a sample thermal profile on a Stuve Diagram for Each Season (Feb 1, May 1, Aug 1, Nov 1) and briefly describe the variations.
Stuve Diagrams are one type of thermodynamic diagram used to represent or plot atmospheric data as recorded by weather balloons in their ascent through the atmosphere. The data the balloons record are called soundings. Stuve Diagrams plot the temperature and dew point in the atmosphere, as well as mixing ratios, lapse rates, wind direction, and air pressure.
Dew points indicate the amount moisture in the air. The higher the dew points, the higher the moisture content of the air at a given temperature. Dew point temperature is defined as the temperature to which the air would have to cool in order to reach saturation. When the dew point temperature and air temperature are equal, the air is saturated. Dew point temperature is never greater than the air temperature. Therefore, if the air cools, moisture must be removed from the air and this is accomplished through condensation. This process results in the formation of tiny water droplets that can lead to the development of fog, frost, clouds, or even precipitation.
Relative Humidity can be inferred from dew point values. When air temperature and dew point temperatures are very close, the air has a high relative humidity. The opposite is true when there is a large difference between air and dew point temperatures, which indicates air with lower relative humidity. Locations with a high relative humidy indicate that the air is nearly saturated with moisture; clouds and precipitation are therefore quite possible.
In February, the surface temperate is around 20°C/68°F, high relative humidity and the air looks like it has reached saturation; precipitation may have occurred.
In May, the surface temperate is around 20°C/68°F, it is relatively humid and the air is nearly saturated; precipitation does not seem likely but may have occurred.
In August, the surface temperate is around 30°C/86°F, it is somewhat humid and the air is nearly not near saturation; precipitation does not seem likely to have occured.
In November, the surface temperate is around 17°C/62.6°F, it is relatively humid near the surface and the air is close to saturation; precipitation does not seem likely but may have occurred. As you ascend into the atmosphere the temperature and dew point differences indicate that the atmosphere has a relatively low humidity.