Weather Analysispg. 81

Recording dataafter weather data is collected it is plotted on a map using station modelsstation models- record of weather data for a particular site at a particular timegives meteorologists a uniform way to communicate data

Surface Analysis

to plot data globally, use isopleths

lines that connect points of equal values

lines of equal pressure-isobars

lines of equal temps- isotherms

the spacing of lines can provide info

wind- the closer the lines the faster

pressure- closers the isobars, larger the pressure difference; strong winds

isopleths

can show where high and low pressure systems arecombined with isotherms it will tell the frontal system theremust know current weather conditions before forecasting can occur

isopleth

Short Term Forecast

reliable forecasts must be taken from data at multiple levels in the atmospherecan be digital or analog forecastsBased on the fact that the atmosphere behaves as a fluid

digital forecasts

can use mathematical equations to determine how variables change with time (temp, pressure, density)forecasts that rely on mathematical data are digital forecaststhe more data, the more accurate the forecast

analog forecastscompares current weather patterns to patterns that have happened in the pastassumes weather systems behave in a similar fashionmust find a past event that is similar in all levels of the atmosphereuseful for monthly and seasonal forecasting

long term forecasting

factors in the landscape make it hard to accurately predict weatherforecasts that are in the 1-3 day range are no longer based on the movement of clouds and precipitationdependent on the upper level features such as low pressure systemscan accurately predict if it will be wet or dry and when rain will come

Accuracy in long term forecasting

4-7 day forecasts rely on changes in the surface weather based on weather patterns in the troposphere and lower stratospherecan only estimate weathermust be able to understand how all facets effect weather patterns for future

Station modelpg.82

• Create a station model for our weather today. Include the following (use appendix E pg. 915):• Type of low cloud• Temperature• Wind direction and speed• Dew point temp• Percentage of sky covered• Barometric pressure

• Turn in: Ch. 12 assessment pg. 326-327• #’s 1-6, 8-19• #’s 1-5 test practice