Earth and Space Science / Unit 7: The Atmosphere and Weather
7.7 Weather Forecasting
Notes
Meteorologists use satellites, radar, weather balloons, and surface stations plus computer models.
- A station model shows temperature, dew point, wind, pressure and cloud cover for one place.
- Isobars are lines of equal pressure; close isobars mean strong winds. Isotherms join equal temperatures.
- Forecasts are probabilities. A 30% chance of rain means a 30% chance at a given place in the forecast area.
- Doppler radar detects precipitation and rotation in storms.
Practice
Isobars that are very close together show:
A steep pressure change over a short distance drives strong wind.
Which tool detects precipitation and storm rotation?
Doppler radar measures motion of raindrops.
An anemometer measures:
Rotating cups measure wind speed.
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