Chapter 19.3

Weather Prediction

Meteorologists gather data about:
    temperature
    precipitaion
    air pressure
    wind

This data tells the meteorologist where the high and low pressure areas are.  It tells them where the fronts are.

They keep track of changes in these air masses and fronts.  They can tell how fast they are moving, and so they can predict the weather in a certain place.

Sources of data
    weather balloons transmit data
    weather radar - signals are sent out that reflect off rain and snow
    weather satellites - send back pictures of cloud movement, collect other data
    weather stations - are all over the world providing data on temperature, humidity,
                                    wind, clouds, precipitation,

The National Weather Service issues forecasts to the public.  Meteorologists use their data to prepare their forecasts for television.  Airlines, ships, construction companies, etc. use forecasts to plan schedules.

Weather Maps
Uses - give a picture of current weather conditions
            show a weather forecast

Meteorologists use a weather station type of weather map.  It has lots of information.  The symbols used are understood around the world.  This type of map is known as a synoptic chart.

Most of the weather maps we see are simpler.  They have less information but are easier to understand.

Isobars are lines that connect areas of equal barometric pressure.  H  or  L  are often used instead of isobars.
Isotherms are lines that connect area of equal temperature.
 

Geostationary satellite - orbit the earth and remain over the same location