Weather Prediction

Weather Prediction Thermometer – an instrument that measures temperature Thermoscope – an instrument consisting of a glass bulb with a long, thin neck inverted over a container of water Invented by Galileo Heating and cooling of the bulb expanded or contracted the air inside which changed the water level in the neck

Weather Prediction Fiducial points – temperature scale points that can be trusted to remain the same under the same conditions Used to define the temperature scale Temperature at which water freezes and boils 0 degrees C / 32 degrees F 100 degrees C / 212 degrees F Comparison of F to C 

Weather Prediction Anemometer – a device that measures wind speed Rain gauge – a device that measures the amount of rainfall on a level surface

Weather Prediction Elaborate Instruments: Balloon-Carried Instruments Various devices are transported to various altitudes and report data (such as temperature, pressure, humidity and wind speed) back to a weather station Radar Sends out microwave radio signals that bounce back from clouds and precipitation to gather and send information about incoming storms

Weather Prediction Satellites Automated Water Buoys and Stations Placed in geosynchronous orbits and low earth orbits to take images of weather and relay information from sea buoys and ships to weather centers Automated Water Buoys and Stations Report sea and air temperature, wind, wave height… Computers Used for data processing; organize information that can be interpreted by meteorologists so that predictions about weather can be made