Weather Factors Chapter 3 Section 3

isobar

A line on a weather map that joins places that have the same air pressure

isotherm

A line on a weather map that joins places that have the same temperature.

How do weather forecasters predict the weather?

Meteorologists use maps, charts, and computers to analyze weather data and prepare forecasts.

What is the "butterfly effect"?

Tiny changes that result in large scale reactions because of a chain reaction.

What tools do meteorologists rely on to forecast the weather?

maps, charts and computers to prepare weather forecasts

meteorologists

scientists who study the causes of weather and try to predict it

What types of weather data is gathered by satellites?

temperature, humidity, solar radiation, wind speed and wind direction

What are three technologies used to gather weather data?

weather balloons, weather satellites and automated weather stations

How are computers used to produce weather forecasts?

Gather large amounts of data and then process information to make predictions

What can be learned from the information on weather maps?

Standard symbols on weather maps show fronts, areas of high and low pressure, types of precipitation, and temperatures.

How has technology helped to improve weather forecasts?

Technological improvements in gathering weather data and using computers have improved the accuracy of weather forecasts.