Atmospheric Thermodynamics for Geog 622.01

Latent Heat of Vaporization (L_v)

L_{v T=0°C} = 2.5 x 10⁶ J kg^-1

L_{v T=20°C} = 2.45 x 10⁶ J kg^-1

As a function of temperature L_V = L_{v T=0°C} -2400*T, where T is in C units. **

Gas Constants

Universal gas constant:  R_*=8.314 J K^-1 mole^-1 (e.g. Arya, 2001, p. 64)

Gas constant for moist air: R_v=461.5 J kg^-1 K^-1  (or J K^-1 mole^-1)

The molecular weight of water vapor (m_w) divided by the universal gas constant (R*)
m_w/R* = 1/R_v

Works Cited

• Curry J. A , P.J. Webster, Thermodynamics of Atmospheres and Oceans

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