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today's agenda:
today's agenda:
In this weather lesson, we will learn about moisture’s presence in the atmosphere, different fog types, and why drone pilots should care about frost formation.
Transcript
Transcript
Soon, we’ll learn about how fog and moisture have a big impact on drone missions.
SUBLIMATION & EVAPORATION
Learning about the process of how moisture gets added into the air will help us foresee weather changes and plan for safer flights!
But first, let’s talk about water!
Water present in the atmosphere in all three states: solid (ice), liquid (water), and gas (water vapor).
All three forms can easily be turned into one another. Heat is either absorbed or released when water changes its state.
Evaporation and sublimation are the only processes that add water vapor into the atmosphere.
Basically, let’s talk about how rain and fog happens! Let’s see the science in action!
Evaporation is when liquid water changes into water vapor (or gas). It helps form clouds and eventually leads to rain. Think about a rain puddle disappearing from the ground.
Today’s 🔑 Word!
Evaporation and Sublimation
Sublimation is when solid water (like ice or snow) turns into a cloud of water vapor, without becoming water first.
Today’s 🔑 Word!
Evaporation and Sublimation
Sublimation happens in cold climates, where snow and ice can disappear without melting! For example, dry ice directly turns into gas without melting! That can happen right in front of you!
Today’s 🔑 Word!
Evaporation and Sublimation
Well said! To sum that up, evaporation is when liquid water changes into water vapor.
And sublimation is when ice turns directly into a cloud of water vapor without becoming water first.
Why do you think drone pilots should know about water’s presence in the atmosphere?
Why do you think drone pilots should know about water’s presence in the atmosphere? ✔ It can help us predict what the weather might be like.
Why do you think drone pilots should know about water’s presence in the atmosphere? ✔ It can help us predict what the weather might be like. ✔ Water’s presence in the atmosphere can affect visibility and flight performance.
Perfect! Now let’s explore the relationship between Temperature and Moisture.
The amount of moisture in the air depends on its temperature.
For every 20°F increase in temperature, the air can hold twice as much moisture.
Alternatively, a 20°F decrease in temperature cuts the air's ability to hold moisture in half.
The bottom line is that cold air is drier, while hot air is wetter. Not intuitive, right?
Well said! By understanding how temperature and moisture interact, drone pilots can make better decisions about their flights.
It always comes back to being aware of how weather works and making sure you can adapt to changing environmental conditions.
Next, let’s discuss a weather concept we call Relative Humidity.
Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air. And it doesn’t feel great!
And relative humidity is the actual moisture compared to the maximum amount of moisture it can hold at that temperature.
Relative humidity is the actual moisture compared to the maximum possible at that temperature.
Relative humidity is the amount of how moist the air is compared to the maximum amount of moisture it can hold at a given temperature.
Relative humidity is the percentage of how much water vapor the air is holding compared to the maximum it can hold at that temperature.
As an example, 65% relative humidity means air holds 65% of maximum moisture it can hold. That’s pretty humid!
Here’s what happened in China, when relative humidity hit a whole 100%!
100% RELATIVE HUMIDITY
In the US, the west coast usually has low humidity. And the south often has 75-90% humidity in warm months.
Drone pilots should know that drones fly worse in high humidity! Do you remember why? It’s because of __________________ .
Drone pilots should know that drones fly worse in high humidity! Do you remember why? It’s because of the high density altitude!
Drones fly worse in humidity because the Density Altitude is low, so air is less dense.
The drone doesn’t have much air to hold onto because the air is so thin.
Nice! Weather is so fascinating. Now, let’s talk about a term you might have heard before – a Dew Point.
Today’s 🔑 Word!
Dew Point The dew point is the temperature where air is full of water (100% humidity).
The dew point is the temperature where air is full of water (100% humidity). It’s responsible for how fog is made!
Saturated air can transform moisture into fog, dew, frost, clouds, rain, hail, or snow.
When the temperature and dew point meet, fog is formed.
Example: If temperature is 64°F and dew point is 59°F during cooling (dusk), expect fog or low clouds as they converge.
DEW POINT EXPLAINED
Relative Humidity vs. Dew Point
Frost and the Five Types of Fog
First, let’s talk about frost, and why it’s a good idea to avoid frost all together.
Frost is ice that forms on surfaces when it's very cold. And here’s why drone pilots should care about it.
Why drone pilots should avoid frost: Battery Problems Ice on the Drone Visibility Electronic Issues Take-off and landing
Why drone pilots should avoid frost: Battery Problems Cold Weather: Frost means it's very cold, and cold weather can make drone batteries run out faster. If the battery dies quickly, the drone might crash.
Why drone pilots should avoid frost: Ice on the Drone Weight and Balance: Frost can form on the drone, making it heavier and harder to fly. It can also mess up the drone’s balance, making it harder to control.
Why drone pilots should avoid frost: Visibility Frosty Lenses: If frost forms on the camera lens, it can block the view and make it hard to see where the drone is going. This can cause accidents.
Why drone pilots should avoid frost: Electronic Issues Frozen Parts: Frost can affect the drone’s electronics and sensors, causing them to not work properly. This can lead to the drone malfunctioning.
Why drone pilots should avoid frost: Visibility Slippery Surfaces: Frost on the ground can make takeoff and landing areas slippery, which might cause the drone to slip and crash.
Awesome! We just wanted to share those helpful tips in case you’re ever wondering what would happen if you fly in cold, icy weather.
Now, let’s move on to the 5 types of fog! Fog is like a thick cloud that forms near the ground and makes it hard to see, and drone pilots need to pay attention to it.
Fog can form in five different ways depending on weather conditions
Radiation Fog Advection Fog Upslope Fog
Steam Fog Ice Fog
Radiation fog happens when the ground cools down at night, and this cools the air just above it.
The 5 Types of Fog Radiation Fog: How it Forms
Advection Fog
➤ On clear nights with low wind, the ground loses heat quickly because there are no clouds to trap the heat. ➤ The ground gets cooler and cooler. ➤ The air just above the ground also cools down. ➤ When the air gets cold enough, the water vapor in the air turns into tiny water droplets, forming a foggy layer close to the ground.
The 5 Types of Fog
Radiation Fog: How it Forms Advection Fog: How it Forms
➤ This type of fog often forms in valleys and low-lying areas where the cold air can settle.
Radiation Fog: How it Forms Advection Fog: How it Forms Upslope Fog
➤ Advection Fog: This type of fog forms when warm, moist air moves over a colder surface. ➤ For example, when warm air from the ocean moves over the cold land, the air cools down and fog forms. ➤ It’s common along coasts and during the winter.
Radiation Fog: How it Forms Advection Fog: How it Forms Upslope Fog: How it Forms
➤ Advection Fog: This type of fog forms when warm, moist air moves over a colder surface. ➤ For example, when warm air from the ocean moves over the cold land, the air cools down and fog forms. ➤ It’s common along coasts and during the winter.
Radiation Fog: How it Forms Advection Fog: How it Forms Upslope Fog: How it Forms Steam Fog
This type of fog forms when warm, moist air is pushed up a mountain or hillside. ➤ As the air rises, it cools down, and fog forms. ➤ Upslope fog is common in areas with hilly or mountainous terrain. ➤
Upslope Fog: How it Forms
Radiation Fog: How it Forms Advection Fog: How it Forms Upslope Fog: How it Forms Steam Fog: How it Forms
Steam Fog: This type of fog forms when cold air moves over warm water. ➤ For example, when cold air moves over a warm lake, the water evaporates into the air and forms fog. ➤ It looks like steam rising from the water and is common in autumn.
Radiation Fog: How it Forms Advection Fog: How it Forms Upslope Fog: How it Forms Steam Fog: How it Forms Ice Fog
➤ Ice Fog: This type of fog forms in very cold weather when the air temperature is below freezing. ➤ It consists of tiny ice crystals instead of water droplets. ➤ Ice fog is common in polar regions and during very cold winters.
Summary
The 5 Types of Fog Radiation Fog: How it Forms Advection Fog: How it Forms Upslope Fog: How it Forms Steam Fog: How it Forms Ice Fog: How it Forms
Great! Now you know about the different types of fog and how they form. Understanding these weather conditions is crucial for safe drone flying.
today's key words:
today's key words:
Evaporation and Sublimation: Evaporation is when liquid water changes into water vapor (or gas).
It’s helps form clouds and eventually leads to rain.
Think about a rain puddle disappearing from the ground.
Sublimation is when solid water (like ice or snow) turns into a cloud of water vapor, without becoming water first.
For example, dry ice directly turns into gas without melting! That can happen right in front of you!
Relative Humidity: Relative humidity is the percentage of how much water vapor the air is holding compared to the maximum it can hold at that temperature.
Dew Point: The dew point is the temperature where air is full of water (100% humidity).
The 5 Types of Fog:
1. Radiation Fog:
Forms in valleys when air hits dew point and ground cools.
Disappears as sun rises and temperature increases.
2. Advection Fog:
Coastal areas, when moist air moves over cooler land.
Needs wind; can last days.
3. Upslope Fog:
Up mountains when moist air rises.
Needs wind; can last days.
4. Steam Fog:
Over water in cold times, like sea smoke.
Forms when cold air hits warm water.
5. Ice Fog:
Very cold, forms ice crystals directly.
Dangerous for drones due to extreme cold and ice hazards.
things to remember:
things to remember:
Moisture in the air, in the form of humidity, dew point, and fog, affects weather conditions and drone performance.
Different types of fog, like radiation, advection, upslope, steam, and ice fog, form under specific conditions and can impact visibility and flight safety.
Frost can form on drones when it's cold and disrupt their performance by reducing lift.
Drone pilots need to understand these weather factors to ensure safe flying.
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