What Is Thickness?
The vertical distance between two pressure levels. Bigger thickness means warmer air, and it helps forecasters judge rain versus snow. In technical terms: The geopotential height difference between two isobaric surfaces, proportional to the layer's mean virtual temperature (hypsometric equation); the 1000-500 hPa thickness value of 5400 m is a classic rough rain-snow line.
Also called: 1000-500 mb Thickness
Thickness In Plain English
The vertical distance between two pressure levels. Bigger thickness means warmer air, and it helps forecasters judge rain versus snow.
The Technical Definition
The geopotential height difference between two isobaric surfaces, proportional to the layer's mean virtual temperature (hypsometric equation); the 1000-500 hPa thickness value of 5400 m is a classic rough rain-snow line.
Lessons That Use Thickness
- Snow, Sleet And Freezing Rain Forecasting Unit 11: Winter Weather
