Atmospheric motions, from the swirl of leaves across the parking lot to jet streams encircling the globe, are all related. The seemingly vast complexity of weather can be divided into combinations of a relatively few sizes and time ranges for study. Usually, the larger the motion, the longer it will last. In addition, different types of motion have variations in forces that dominate the action. The largest persistent flows across the planet extend high into the atmosphere where friction is small enough to be ignored. The smallest momentary breezes are essentially free of the Coriolis effect.
Meteorologists refer to the largest, most persistent atmospheric motions as part of the planetary-scale. The DataStreme course has thus far concentrated on the high and low pressure systems of the synoptic or macroscale. Smaller weather features such as thunderstorms dominate the mesoscale. The smallest movements of air, such as wind gusts or turbulence, constitute the microscale. For more detail on the traditional arrangement of the subdivisions according to space and time scales, together with their observation strategies, see the Tuesday optional Supplemental Information.
To be submitted on the lines for Tuesday on the Study Guide, Part B, Applications, Week 9 Chapter Progress Response Form, under section B. Daily Summary.