Water VaporThe most abundant greenhouse gas, it is the water present in the atmosphere in gaseous form.
water vapor pathA measure of the total amount of water vapor present in the column. A retrieved quantity from the microwave radiometer.
WaxesSolid or semisolid materials derived from petroleum distillates or residues. Light-colored, more or less translucent crystalline masses, slightly greasy…
WeatherThe state of the atmosphere with respect to wind, temperature, cloudiness, moisture, pressure, etc.
WesterliesThe prevailing winds that blow from the west in the mid-latitudes.
wet-bulb depressionThe difference in degrees between the air temperature (dry-bulb temperature) and the wet-bulb temperature.
Wet-Bulb TemperatureThe lowest temperature that can be obtained by evaporting water into the air.
WetlandArea covered all or part of the year by water. Can be identified by typical plants and soil types.
WetlandsArea having specific hydric soil and water table characteristics supporting or capable of supporting wetlands vegetation.
wind chill equivalent temperatureThe apparent temperature felt on the exposed human body owing to the combination of temperature and wind speed.
Wind Chill FactorIncreased wind speeds accelerate heat loss from exposed skin. No specific rules exist for determining when wind chill becomes dangerous.
Wind FieldThe three-dimensional spatial pattern of winds.
Wind ShearThe rate at which wind velocity changes from point to point in a given direction (as, vertically).
wind vaneAn instrument used to determine wind direction.
windsockA large, conical, open bag designed to indicate wind direction and relative speed; usually used at small airports.
Winter SolsticeThe time at which the sun is farthest south in the Southern Hemisphere, on or around December 21.
Wood energyWood and wood products used as fuel, including roundwood (i.e., cordwood), limbwood, wood chips, bark, sawdust, forest residues, and charcoal.
World Meteorological OrganizationWorld Meteorological Organization (WMO) Created by the World Meteorological Convention and recognized as a special agency of the United Nations in 1951…
World Weather WatchWorld Weather Watch (WWW) The world-wide, coordinated, developing system of meteorological facilities and services provided by WMO Members for the purpose…
Younger Dryasinterval of abrupt climate changes approximately 12,700-11,500 years ago. The name is derived from the Dryas plant, a cold-loving plant that pollen…
Zulu Time (Z)(Z)Means Coordinated Universal Time (UTC); the international time standard kept at Greenwich, England.