Weather Data and Weather Maps

UNIT 10STANDARDS: NCES 2.5.1, 2.5.2, 2.5.3, 2.5.4, 2.5.5, 2.6.1, 2.6.2, 2.6.4LESSON 2

Lesson Objectives

In this lesson, you will learn about: Recognize the importance of accurate

weather data. Describe the technology needed to collect

data Analyze a basic surface weather chart Distinguish between digital and analog

forecast Describe problems with long-term forecasts

Where is weather data collected? Surface

Data

Upper-Level Data

Data includes: Temperature-thermometer Air Pressure-barometer Wind Speed-anemometer Humidity-hygrometer Cloud height-ceilometer

Use of weather balloons to reach heights above 30,000 feet. They have the same instruments as surface data.

Weather Radar Traditional

Radar

Doppler Radar

One radar station covering about 85 mile radius.

Measures only the reflected sounds.

Use of the Doppler Effect (train sound analogy) to measure the raindrops both coming and going.

Doppler radar now allows to see wind speed based on the data.

Weather Satellites Origins

Infrared Imagery

Developed out of military satellites as security

Now able to monitor the Earth’s weather, climate, and changes

Images based on the different temperatures of the weather system. This is why the weather map has different colors.

Section Review 10.2.1

What is an advantage of Doppler radar over conventional radar?

Why is infrared imagery so important to weather?

Why are weather forecast more accurate in the US compared to developing countries?

Weather Analysis Station

Model A record of the weather

data for a particular site at a particular time.

Use of isobar lines help meteorologists map out the different air pressures for the area.

Air Pressure Map

Digital versus Analog Forecast

Analog

Digital

Looks at past weather events and draws analogies to current weather conditions.

Looks for similar patterns.

Looks at current conditions and allows a computer or other device to make predictions based on the data available.

More Accurate

Weather Accuracy Short-term

forecasts

Long-term forecasts

Accuracy

Forecasts for the day or three days. Based on what is seen.

May include forecasts from a week to a year. Based on previous data and weather models of current weather.

Accuracy DECREASES with the longer the forecast is for.

Section Review 10.2.2

Compare and contrast analog and digital forecasting.

Why are long-term forecasts not as accurate as short-term forecasts?

What is “The Almanac” and how does it make weather predictions?

Weather Map Lab Use the following map to answer the

following questions: What is the contour interval? What are the highest and lowest isobar

readings? What type of weather is NC, FL and OH

experiencing? If the low pressure located in Michigan

is moving east at 15 mph, what type of weather might NY experience the next day?

Interpreting a Weather Map LabUse the map below to answer the questions for the lab.