Formation and Characteristics:
* Evaporation: The process of water changing from a liquid to a gas.
* Transpiration: The process of water vapor escaping from plants.
* Humidity: The amount of water vapor in the air.
* Dew point: The temperature at which air becomes saturated with water vapor and condensation begins.
* Relative humidity: The percentage of water vapor in the air compared to the maximum amount it can hold at a given temperature.
* Condensation: The process of water vapor changing back into liquid water.
* Precipitation: Any form of water that falls from the atmosphere to Earth's surface.
* Sublimation: The process of water changing directly from ice to water vapor, bypassing the liquid phase.
Effects:
* Cloud formation: Water vapor condenses around particles in the atmosphere, forming clouds.
* Greenhouse effect: Water vapor acts as a greenhouse gas, trapping heat in the atmosphere.
* Fog: A cloud that forms at ground level due to condensation.
* Mist: Similar to fog, but less dense.
Measurement:
* Hygrometer: An instrument used to measure humidity.
* Psychrometer: A type of hygrometer that uses the difference in temperature between wet and dry bulbs to determine humidity.
Related Terms:
* Hydrosphere: The part of Earth that contains all its water.
* Atmosphere: The layer of gases surrounding Earth.
* Weather: The state of the atmosphere at a particular time and location, influenced by water vapor.
* Climate: The long-term weather patterns of a region, influenced by water vapor.
This list isn't exhaustive, but it should give you a good starting point for understanding the role of water vapor in our world.