RC4

What is a gradient?

A gradient is when some atmospheric attribute that is being measured changes over a distance (gradient = the ratio of the change of a quantity and the distance over which the changes occurs).

What are isobars? What are isotherms?

Isobars are lines of constant pressure drawn on a weather map; isotherms are lines of constant temperature.

What is the term for lines of constant dewpoint?

Isodrosotherms are lines of constant dewpoint temperature.

What upper-level map do meteorologists examine to find fronts?

Meteorologists examine the 850 mb map to identify the location of fronts.

At what altitude are surface temperature readings made?

Surface temperature readings are made at 2 meters above the ground.

What determines the slope of an upper-level pressure surface?

Temperature determines the slope of pressure surfaces because pressure surfaces always slope downward from warm to cold air.

What important feature can you find on a 300 mb map?

The 300 mb maps show isotachs (contours of wind speed) and jet streaks.

If isobars are tightly packed together, how would you describe the pressure gradient?

The gradient is very steep, meaning the values of pressure are changing very rapidly along the distance.

Where are temperature and dewpoint shown on a surface station model?

The number to the upper left of the station symbol is the temperature and the dewpoint temperature appears on the lower left on the station symbol. Both values are reported in Fahrenheit.

What is a trough?

Troughs are elongated areas of low atmospheric pressure.