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This is the ratio between the actual water
vapor content of the atmosphere and the maximum water vapor content
possible at that given temperature. If the temperature of a given parcel
of air rises, the amount of moisture it can hold increases and as such its
relative humidity decreases. If there is no change in temperature but the
moisture content decreases then the relative humidity will again decrease
because the ratio of actual water vapor present is less than the maximum
amount the air could hold. Conversely, if the water content does not
change but the temperature falls, the relative humidity increases until
saturation and possible precipitation occurs.
[Ocean; v17; p34-6; 1984.]
[Science News; v132; p236; 1987.]
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