Chapter 16.4 Forecasting the Weather

Forecasting Technology Meteorologist –Person who observes and collects data on atmospheric conditions to make weather predictions. Technology Needed to measure various atmospheric conditions

Weather Balloons Carry electronic equipment that can measure weather conditions as high as 30 km above Earth’s surface.

Thermometer Measures air temperature. (thermos =“heat”) Liquid sealed in a glass tube- as air temperature increases, liquid expands and moves up glass tube. As air temp. decreases, liquid shrinks and moves down tube.

Barometer Measures Air Pressure. (High or Low) Glass tube sealed at one end and placed in a container full of mercury. As air pressure pushes on the mercury, it moves up the glass tube. Greater the pressure- higher up the tube.

Wind Sock/Wind Vane Measures Wind Direction/ not wind speed

Anemometer Measures wind speed. Cups send a weak electric current measured and displayed on a dial.

Radar and Satellites Radar –Finds location, movement, amount and form of precipitation. Satellites –Orbit Earth and provide images of weather systems at different alititudes.

Weather Maps Station Model –Small circle that shows the location of the weather station Weather Map –Shows air pressure, fronts, precipitation, and Isobars- lines that connect points of equal air pressure.

Interpreting Weather Maps Read background info Figure 3…correction –North (from the south) Answer questions in team of 2

White Boards Practice vocab as ‘pictionary’ –One person illustrates term –Other person guesses term