Climate weather physical factors

1. ClimateClimate
ClimateClimate:: sum of all statistical weather info sum of all statistical weather info
that helps describe a place or region. It is athat helps describe a place or region. It is a
dynamic complex of meteorological and dynamic complex of meteorological and
cosmic factors for a long period of time and cosmic factors for a long period of time and
is characterized by a is characterized by a middle expression ofmiddle expression of::
 AAtmospheric pressuretmospheric pressure
Air temperatuteAir temperatute
Air humidityAir humidity
Air velocity (winds) Air velocity (winds)
Sun radiation, RainingSun radiation, Raining

2. The particularity of the climate are The particularity of the climate are
defined by:defined by:
Geografic latitude and attitudeGeografic latitude and attitude
Relief of the territoryRelief of the territory
Vegetation (forests)Vegetation (forests)
Water reservoirs (see, lakes, rivers)Water reservoirs (see, lakes, rivers)

3. For more detailed evaluation the climate For more detailed evaluation the climate
could be divided into:could be divided into:
Macro-climate – in given geographic zoneMacro-climate – in given geographic zone
““Middle-climate” – in a given placeMiddle-climate” – in a given place
““Micro-climate” – in closed roomsMicro-climate” – in closed rooms

4. The climatic zones are confined within the The climatic zones are confined within the
isothermal lines.isothermal lines. These lines connect all points These lines connect all points
with equal annual air temperatures.with equal annual air temperatures.
- Tropical climate – between equator and 25- Tropical climate – between equator and 25°C °C
isothermisotherm
-Subtropical climate - Subtropical climate - between 25between 25°C and 15°C °C and 15°C
isothermisotherm
-Moderate climate - Moderate climate - between 15between 15°C and 5°C °C and 5°C
isothermisotherm
-Cold climateCold climate
Bulgaria is in the moderate climate zone.Bulgaria is in the moderate climate zone.

5. WeatherWeather
WeatherWeather: State of the atmosphere at a given : State of the atmosphere at a given
time and place; constantly changing.time and place; constantly changing.
Weather is described by variables such Weather is described by variables such
as:as:
TemperatureTemperature
PressurePressure
Wind Speed and DirectionWind Speed and Direction
PrecipitationPrecipitation
Cloud CoverCloud Cover

6. Depending on the meteorological factors Depending on the meteorological factors
WEATHER could beWEATHER could be::
OptimalOptimal – – with small daily air temperature with small daily air temperature
amplitude (2amplitude (2°C)°C) and air velocity less than 3 and air velocity less than 3
m/sm/s
IrritatingIrritating – one or more of the – one or more of the
meteorological factors are out of their meteorological factors are out of their
optimal levels; air velocity is up to 8 m/s; optimal levels; air velocity is up to 8 m/s;
high high daily air temperature amplitude daily air temperature amplitude
Sharp Sharp – significant changes of – significant changes of
meteorological factorsmeteorological factors

7. TheThe adaptation of people to slowadaptation of people to slow changes of changes of
meteorological factors is good, but isn’t such meteorological factors is good, but isn’t such
to sharp ones.to sharp ones.
More sensitive people could suffer some More sensitive people could suffer some
unfavorable health conditions like unfavorable health conditions like
cardiovascular problems (hypertension), cardiovascular problems (hypertension),
neuroses, arthritis, cerebro-vascular neuroses, arthritis, cerebro-vascular
diseases, bronchial hypersensitivity.diseases, bronchial hypersensitivity.
The prophylactic measures include The prophylactic measures include
healthful style of living, training, healthy healthful style of living, training, healthy
nutrition, suited clothing, medicaments.nutrition, suited clothing, medicaments.

8. What is the difference between What is the difference between
weather and climate?weather and climate?
Weather is what you see outside of the Weather is what you see outside of the
window, climate is the weather window, climate is the weather
conditions of an area averaged over a conditions of an area averaged over a
long period (30 years)long period (30 years)

9. WeatherWeather oror Climate???Climate???
The average high temperature for the month of The average high temperature for the month of
July in Chicago is 84oF.July in Chicago is 84oF.
Cumulus clouds presently cover the entire sky.Cumulus clouds presently cover the entire sky.
Snow is falling at a rate of 1 inch per hour.Snow is falling at a rate of 1 inch per hour.
The summers here are warm and humid.The summers here are warm and humid.
At 3:00 p.m, winds were blowing from the At 3:00 p.m, winds were blowing from the
NW.NW.
Total precipitation at O’Hare Airport for 2003 Total precipitation at O’Hare Airport for 2003
was 32.02 inches, which is 4.25 inches below was 32.02 inches, which is 4.25 inches below
normal.normal.

10. How do we measure climate factors?How do we measure climate factors?
Aneroid
Barometer
Anemometer
Radiosonde
Wind and
rain Gauge

11. LatitudeLatitude
(T) The further away from the equator" (T) The further away from the equator"
the colder it is.the colder it is.
(P) Closer to the poles results in lower (P) Closer to the poles results in lower
precipitation precipitation

13. Unequal Earth HeatingUnequal Earth Heating
Incident light is spread over a greater area near the
poles, less heat is radiated from the earth.

14. Ocean CurrentsOcean Currents
((T) When warm, they raise temperatures along T) When warm, they raise temperatures along
the coast (especially in winter) and when cold, the coast (especially in winter) and when cold,
they lower temperatures (especially in they lower temperatures (especially in
summer)summer)
(P) When warm, they help to create wet (P) When warm, they help to create wet
coastal climates, when cold, they help to create coastal climates, when cold, they help to create
drier coastal climates drier coastal climates

15. Ocean CurrentsOcean Currents

16. Heat Conveyor BeltHeat Conveyor Belt

17. Figure 4.5Figure 4.5

18. WindsWinds
(T) When they move off large bodies of (T) When they move off large bodies of
water ontowater ontoland they moderate land they moderate
temperatures temperatures
(P) When they move from ocean areas (P) When they move from ocean areas
onto land theyonto land theybring moisture. Land to bring moisture. Land to
Land = Drier climatesLand = Drier climates

20. Global atmospheric circulation. Note the prevailing winds and
areas where there is little horizontal air movement, the horse
latitudes and doldrums.

21. ElevationElevation
(T) The Higher you go, the colder it gets! (T) The Higher you go, the colder it gets!
Dry air decreases temperature at a rate of Dry air decreases temperature at a rate of
11
OO
C per 100m.C per 100m.
(P) The Higher you go the more (P) The Higher you go the more
precipitation you are likely to getprecipitation you are likely to get

22. ReliefRelief
(T) Landforms block winds and air (T) Landforms block winds and air
masses, so temperatures from one side to masses, so temperatures from one side to
the other can be quite differentthe other can be quite different

23. ReliefRelief
(P) Windward areas are wet, as air rises (P) Windward areas are wet, as air rises
and deposits moisture. Leeward areas are and deposits moisture. Leeward areas are
dry as winds descend, warm up and dry as winds descend, warm up and
evaporate moisture.evaporate moisture.

24. Windward
warmer Leeward
colder

25. Nearness to WaterNearness to Water
Maritime climates (by the ocean) are Maritime climates (by the ocean) are
moderated (cooler summers, warmer moderated (cooler summers, warmer
winters) by the ocean.winters) by the ocean.
Precipitation is higher in maritime Precipitation is higher in maritime
climates than in continental (inland) climates than in continental (inland)
climates.climates.

30. Review: World climate patternsReview: World climate patterns
Concepts:Concepts:
The earth heats unevenlyThe earth heats unevenly
Because of its tilt and the fact that it is a Because of its tilt and the fact that it is a
spheresphere
This uneven heating drives global circulationThis uneven heating drives global circulation
There is predictable variability in climate, at There is predictable variability in climate, at
local to global scaleslocal to global scales
Because it is a sphere:Because it is a sphere:
Radiation is spread over more area at the high Radiation is spread over more area at the high
latitudes than at the equatorlatitudes than at the equator

31. Hygienic characteristic of physical Hygienic characteristic of physical
factors of atmospherefactors of atmosphere
Physical factors of atmosphere could be Physical factors of atmosphere could be
divided into:divided into:
- Meteorological factors - Meteorological factors – atmospheric – atmospheric
(barometric) pressure, air temperature, (barometric) pressure, air temperature,
humidity, atmospheric electricity and humidity, atmospheric electricity and
ionization of the air.ionization of the air.
- - Factors, arising from the cosmos Factors, arising from the cosmos – sun – sun
radiation, heliomagnetic factorsradiation, heliomagnetic factors

32. Meteorological factorsMeteorological factors
Atmospheric pressureAtmospheric pressure
It is an important factor in climate formation. It is an important factor in climate formation.
Atmospheric pressure over the surfaces and Atmospheric pressure over the surfaces and
bodies is due to the weight of air layers because bodies is due to the weight of air layers because
of the gravitation. of the gravitation.
At the sea level, vertical air column of 1 At the sea level, vertical air column of 1
square sm. Has middle mass of 1013 g and is square sm. Has middle mass of 1013 g and is
balanced by Hg column with 760 mm altitude. It balanced by Hg column with 760 mm altitude. It
is 1 atmosphere and is accepted as a normal is 1 atmosphere and is accepted as a normal
value at the sea level. value at the sea level.

33. Air pressure inside and outside the body has been Air pressure inside and outside the body has been
equalized by the respiratory tract with greater equalized by the respiratory tract with greater
amounts of gases being absorbed to the tissues and amounts of gases being absorbed to the tissues and
compressed into body cavities. compressed into body cavities.
As the atmospheric pressure is increased or As the atmospheric pressure is increased or
decreased some discomfort or diseases could be decreased some discomfort or diseases could be
manifested.manifested.
1. 1. Health problems related with increased Health problems related with increased
atmospheric pressure atmospheric pressure
Such could occur during work under water Such could occur during work under water
(diving, work in barocamera). During compression (diving, work in barocamera). During compression
the following health efects could be manifested:the following health efects could be manifested:

34. - Ear trauma- Ear trauma – as a result of a relative – as a result of a relative
vacuum in the middle ear – acute of chronic vacuum in the middle ear – acute of chronic
inflammation caused by a reduction in air inflammation caused by a reduction in air
pressure in the tympani cavity. There is a pressure in the tympani cavity. There is a
feeling of fullness in the ears, decreased sound feeling of fullness in the ears, decreased sound
density, discomfort and desire to “clear the density, discomfort and desire to “clear the
ears”.ears”.
- The “squeeze”- The “squeeze” – dyspnea, heavy – dyspnea, heavy
sensation in the chest, a bulging sensation in sensation in the chest, a bulging sensation in
the head and eyes, edema and even small the head and eyes, edema and even small
hemorrhages in lungs, gastrointestinal tract, hemorrhages in lungs, gastrointestinal tract,
nose, ears and facial skin.nose, ears and facial skin.

35. - - Nitrogen narcosisNitrogen narcosis – occurs at depths – occurs at depths
greater than 30 m. The symptoms are greater than 30 m. The symptoms are
numbness, discoordination, hallucinations numbness, discoordination, hallucinations
and unconsciousness – at depth over 90 m. and unconsciousness – at depth over 90 m.
These effects may be prevented by These effects may be prevented by
breathing mixtures depleted in nitrogen breathing mixtures depleted in nitrogen
by helium. by helium.

36. - Decompression sickness- Decompression sickness – during the – during the
decompression, when the organism is decompression, when the organism is
exposed again to surface atmospheric exposed again to surface atmospheric
pressure, the compressed gases in the body pressure, the compressed gases in the body
tend to come out of the solution. When it’s tend to come out of the solution. When it’s
rapid, bubbles (primary of nitrogen) are rapid, bubbles (primary of nitrogen) are
formed in tissues and blood resulting in formed in tissues and blood resulting in
blockage of capillaries or even emboli. blockage of capillaries or even emboli.
Symptoms depend on the localization of Symptoms depend on the localization of
emboli (lungs, brain etc.). If the emboli (lungs, brain etc.). If the
decompression is slow the gases can be decompression is slow the gases can be
exhaled without problems.exhaled without problems.

37. 2. 2. Health problems related with decreased Health problems related with decreased
decreased atmospheric pressure.decreased atmospheric pressure. They appear They appear
because of the diminished ambient pressure of because of the diminished ambient pressure of
oxygen. oxygen.
- - Acute mountain illness – Acute mountain illness – very often quickly very often quickly
transiting, manifested with headache, vomiting and transiting, manifested with headache, vomiting and
impaired vision.impaired vision.
- - High attitude pulmonary edema - High attitude pulmonary edema - the symptoms the symptoms
are usually manifested at the 3th day at high are usually manifested at the 3th day at high
altitude. At the beginning they are similar to these of altitude. At the beginning they are similar to these of
mountain disease, but further pulmonary edema mountain disease, but further pulmonary edema
develops with cough and even Cheyne-Stokes develops with cough and even Cheyne-Stokes
breathing.breathing.

38. Air temperatureAir temperature
Direct heating of air from the sun is Direct heating of air from the sun is
unimportant – only about 0.02%. Air heating is unimportant – only about 0.02%. Air heating is
mainly from the infrared irradiation from the mainly from the infrared irradiation from the
ground. Factors affecting air temperature are:ground. Factors affecting air temperature are:
- latitude of the place- latitude of the place
- altitude- altitude
- direction of the wind- direction of the wind
- proximity of sea- proximity of sea
- big water reservoirs (lakes), vegetation zones- big water reservoirs (lakes), vegetation zones
The mean year temperature in Bulgaria is 11.5CThe mean year temperature in Bulgaria is 11.5C
°.°.

39. Air humidityAir humidity
The humidity of the air depend on its The humidity of the air depend on its
temperature. Humidity could be expressed as temperature. Humidity could be expressed as
absolute and relative. Relative humidity is absolute and relative. Relative humidity is
used more commonly in health practice.used more commonly in health practice.
Air velocityAir velocity
A meteorological parameter, which A meteorological parameter, which
together with temperature and humidity of the together with temperature and humidity of the
air determine the microclimate at a certain area air determine the microclimate at a certain area
and determining the and determining the thermal comfort.thermal comfort.

40. Factors, arising from the cosmos Factors, arising from the cosmos
A. Sun radiationA. Sun radiation
The spectrum of sun radiation consists of The spectrum of sun radiation consists of
ultraviolet radiation – UV (wave length under ultraviolet radiation – UV (wave length under
400 nm), visible radiation (400-760 nm) and 400 nm), visible radiation (400-760 nm) and
infrared radiation (over 760 nm).infrared radiation (over 760 nm).
Health effects of UV radiationHealth effects of UV radiation
- Non – specific effects- Non – specific effects – stimulation of – stimulation of
protein, lipid and carbohydrates metabolism, protein, lipid and carbohydrates metabolism,
improved immunological reactivity, increased improved immunological reactivity, increased
melanin production.melanin production.

41. - - Specific effectsSpecific effects – – shortshort UV waves UV waves
possess bactericidal andpossess bactericidal and mutagenic effects. mutagenic effects.
Limited skin exposure to Limited skin exposure to middlemiddle UV waves UV waves
results in photochemical conversion of pro-results in photochemical conversion of pro-
vitamin D to the active compound. vitamin D to the active compound.
Cumulative effect of repetitive Cumulative effect of repetitive
occupational exposure to occupational exposure to longlong UV waves UV waves
may cause cataract, retinal damage, skin may cause cataract, retinal damage, skin
erythema (sunburn) or skin cancer.erythema (sunburn) or skin cancer.

42. Effects of visible radiation (VR)Effects of visible radiation (VR)
Prolonged and intensive exposure to light Prolonged and intensive exposure to light
could cause serious eye damage. Less traumatic could cause serious eye damage. Less traumatic
effect is astenopia (eye strain) – tired eye, visual effect is astenopia (eye strain) – tired eye, visual
discomfort, irritation, headache. Also, disturbance discomfort, irritation, headache. Also, disturbance
of cardiac rhythm, influencing physical activity, of cardiac rhythm, influencing physical activity,
sleep, food consumption etc. could appear. sleep, food consumption etc. could appear.
Effects of infrared radiation (IR)Effects of infrared radiation (IR)
It penetrates skin and induces heating. IR may It penetrates skin and induces heating. IR may
cause thermal damage of cornea, iris and retinal cause thermal damage of cornea, iris and retinal
lesions. Chronic, long-term exposure may cause lesions. Chronic, long-term exposure may cause
cataract.cataract.

43. B. Electromagnetic radiationB. Electromagnetic radiation
It could be defined as a series of waves It could be defined as a series of waves
composed of oscillating electric and magnetic composed of oscillating electric and magnetic
fields traveling through space with the speed fields traveling through space with the speed
of light. Electromagnetic radiation can of light. Electromagnetic radiation can
transmit energy to biological molecules and transmit energy to biological molecules and
affect the biological systems. For example, the affect the biological systems. For example, the
absorbed energy could be transmitted to heat absorbed energy could be transmitted to heat
and increase the tissues temperature. The exact and increase the tissues temperature. The exact
biological effects depend on the characteristic biological effects depend on the characteristic
of the radiation involved and the sensitivity of of the radiation involved and the sensitivity of
the organism.the organism.

44. Air ionizationAir ionization
It is characterized the grade of formation of It is characterized the grade of formation of
positive and negative air ions. The concentration positive and negative air ions. The concentration
of positive air ions is increased in polluted urban of positive air ions is increased in polluted urban
areas and indoor air. areas and indoor air.
The concentration negative air ions is higher in The concentration negative air ions is higher in
mountains, wood areas, near the see and mountains, wood areas, near the see and
waterfalls. They are indicator of air purity and waterfalls. They are indicator of air purity and
have favorable health effects.have favorable health effects.

45. Health effects of physical factors of Health effects of physical factors of
the atmospherethe atmosphere
Positive – negative air ionsPositive – negative air ions
Negative Negative
- heat stroke (disturbed mechanisms of - heat stroke (disturbed mechanisms of
thermoregulation); -thermoregulation); -
- sun stroke (directs exposure of head to - sun stroke (directs exposure of head to
sun); sun); - heat exhaustion; - heat exhaustion;
- heat syncope; - heat syncope;
- effects of cold stress etc.- effects of cold stress etc.