The dew point is the temperature at which air becomes saturated with moisture and water vapor begins to condense into liquid water. It is a key indicator of humidity levels in the atmosphere.
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The dew point indicates the amount of moisture in the air; a higher dew point means more moisture.
When the air temperature drops to the dew point, condensation occurs, leading to phenomena like dew, fog, or frost.
The difference between air temperature and dew point can help predict weather conditions; smaller differences often indicate higher humidity and potential precipitation.
The dew point can never be higher than the current air temperature.
In meteorology, the dew point is crucial for understanding weather patterns and forecasting.
Review Questions
What happens when the air temperature reaches the dew point?
How does a higher dew point affect humidity levels in the atmosphere?
Why can the dew point never be higher than the current air temperature?