American Meteorological Society Certification (AMS) Practice 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

Question: 1 / 400

What does "advection" refer to in terms of atmospheric processes?

The vertical transfer of heat in convective currents

The horizontal transfer of heat or moisture within the atmosphere

Advection refers specifically to the horizontal transfer of heat, moisture, or other atmospheric properties within the atmosphere. This process occurs when warm or cold air masses are transported from one location to another, often resulting in changes in weather conditions. For instance, when warm moist air moves over a cooler surface, it can lead to cloud formation and precipitation.

Understanding advection is crucial in meteorology because it directly influences temperature gradients and can modify local climates. Unlike convection, which involves vertical movements and is associated with heat transfer through rising and sinking air parcels, advection deals primarily with the movement of air masses along the horizontal plane. Thus, recognizing the role of advection helps meteorologists predict weather patterns and changes based on the movement of different air masses across regions.

Get further explanation with Examzify DeepDiveBeta

The cooling of air masses at high altitudes

The mixing of different air layers in the troposphere

Next Question

Report this question

Download American Meteorological Society Certification (AMS) Practice PDF Study Guide
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy