METEO 3 Lesson 6 Images
Lesson 6: Surface Patterns of Pressure and Wind
Introduction
interpret basic surface maps like this one
Text description of the interpret basic surface maps like this one image.
The image is a detailed weather map of the United States displaying various meteorological symbols and contours indicating weather conditions. The map highlights high and low-pressure systems, indicated by "H" and "L" symbols, respectively, scattered across the country. There are several lines of varying colors and styles - solid yellow lines represent isobars, delineating areas of equal atmospheric pressure. Dashed orange and blue lines indicate other atmospheric conditions. Arrowed red-blue lines signify the presence of frontal boundaries, with blue indicating cold fronts and red indicating warm fronts. The map's shaded areas denote different pressure levels, with color gradients showing elevation changes. A blue sea surrounding the map symbolizes the oceanic regions. The NOAA logo is present at the bottom left corner of the map. In the lower part of the image, details about the map issuance in white text over a black background are visible.
Under Pressure
based on the mercury barometer
Text description of the based on the mercury barometer image.
The image is an illustration of a mercury barometer, displaying how atmospheric pressure is measured. The central component is a glass tube, depicted vertically, partially filled with mercury and open at one end. The tube is filled with mercury at the bottom and shows a vacuum at the top. Horizontal lines on the tube serve as measurement markers. The tube is placed in a shallow circular container labeled "Mercury Reservoir," which holds additional mercury. Two arrows indicate different pressures: a red arrow labeled "Mercury" pointing to the mercury inside the tube, and a blue arrow labeled "Air Pressure" pointing downward on the reservoir. Another arrow points to the top of the column, labeled "Sea-Level Pressure 29.92 in (76 cm) (height of Mercury column)."
Decoding Pressure
pressure at the top of the troposphere
Text description of the pressure at the top of the troposphere image.
The image illustrates the atmospheric layers and corresponding temperature and pressure changes with altitude. On the left side, a graph shows altitude from 0 to 50 kilometers. Two curves are depicted: a red curve for temperature (T) and a blue curve for pressure (P). The red curve varies, starting low, rising gradually, and peaking near the top. The blue curve starts steeply and then flattens. The image is divided into the troposphere at the bottom, shown with clouds and a cruising airplane, and the stratosphere above, with a label for the "Ozone Layer." The background transitions in color from green at the troposphere to dark blue in the stratosphere. Below the graph, there are additional scales for temperature in red and pressure in blue.
schematic may help you visualize the adjustment process
Text description of the schematic may help you visualize the adjustment process image.
The image is an illustration depicting atmospheric pressure at different elevations. It shows a cross-section of a mountain range with a gradient from dark brown at the base to light purple towards the top, representing elevation. In front of the mountains is an atmospheric pressure column labeled "KDEN," positioned at an intermediate elevation. Adjacent to KDEN is a solid vertical rectangle representing "Station Pressure," and a dashed rectangle extending to "Sea Level." Arrows and lines indicate adjustments to sea-level pressure. A label reads "Weight per unit area of fictitious column between elevation of Denver and sea level," pointing to the dashed column. The image background is a gradient of sky blue to purple, simulating an open sky.
barograph showing the range of sea-level pressures
Text description of the barograph showing the range of sea-level pressures image.
The image is a graph illustrating the range of typical sea-level pressures in millibars (mb). It features red contour lines representing atmospheric pressure on a grid. The central focus is a blue line plotting various sea-level pressures. The right side has a range labeled from 1100 mb at the top to 900 mb at the bottom. Notable events are marked along the blue line with green and white labels. "Highest recorded sea-level pressure (1084 mb) Siberia, 1968" appears near the top left. "Lowest recorded sea-level pressure (870 mb) Typhoon Tip - 1979" is located near the bottom right. Other labels indicate pressures related to significant weather events like Hurricane Wilma in 2005 and Hurricane Andrew in 1992. The section labeled "Range of Typical Sea-level Pressures" runs vertically along the right side.
1145Z infrared satellite image from October 30
Text description of the 1145Z infrared satellite image from October 30 image.
The image is an infrared satellite photograph of the United States taken on October 30, 2017, at 11:45 UTC. The photo displays various cloud formations across the country, with the west and east coasts experiencing significant cloud coverage. The Midwest is relatively clear in comparison. The cloud formations vary in density and texture, depicted in different shades of grey. The image includes state boundaries outlined in white for geographic reference. The northern and southern regions, including parts of Canada and Mexico, are also partially visible.
list of strongest wind gusts
Text description of the list of strongest wind gusts image.
The image is a screenshot displaying weather data organized by county for Connecticut and Massachusetts. The format lists counties, specific locations, numeric data, dates, times, and data sources. In Connecticut, Tolland County includes Coventry, with a listed number of 55. Windham County includes a location 3 NE Willimantic, with a number of 46. Massachusetts data is more detailed, showing counties like Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Middlesex, Nantucket, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester. For Barnstable County, towns such as Mashpee and Wellfleet are noted, marked with values like 93 and 72 respectively. Some locations like Mashpee and Duxbury in Plymouth County are highlighted with red boxes. Values are often accompanied by weather sources like “Trained Spotter” and “ASOS.”
Transcribed Text:
CONNECTICUT ...Tolland County... Coventry 55 1055 PM 10/29 Trained Spotter ...Windham County... 3 NE Willimantic 46 1252 AM 10/30 ASOS MASSACHUSETTS ...Barnstable County... Mashpee 93 349 AM 10/30 Popponesset Beach Wellfleet 72 339 AM 10/30 Amateur Radio Chatham 67 329 AM 10/30 Trained Spotter East Falmouth 65 129 AM 10/30 NONE Barnstable 64 312 AM 10/30 Marstons Mills Falmouth 57 345 AM 10/30 Woods Hole 2 NE Hyannis 52 346 AM 10/30 ASOS ...Bristol County... Fairhaven 76 250 AM 10/30 West Island 4 ESE Taunton 67 1150 PM 10/29 ASOS Fall River 65 1130 PM 10/29 Amateur Radio Westport 65 239 AM 10/30 Amateur Radio 3 NW New Bedford 51 1205 AM 10/30 ASOS ...Dukes County... 3 S Vineyard Haven 60 339 AM 10/30 ASOS ...Essex County... 5 WNW Beverly 62 134 AM 10/30 ASOS Rockport 62 325 AM 10/30 Amateur Radio 3 NE Lawrence 51 1238 AM 10/30 ASOS ...Middlesex County... Newton 54 124 AM 10/30 Chestnut Hill 2 WSW Bedford 49 1104 PM 10/29 ASOS Hopkinton 40 149 AM 10/30 Trained Spotter ...Nantucket County... Nantucket 70 334 AM 10/30 Amateur Radio 2 ESE Nantucket 64 230 AM 10/30 ASOS ...Norfolk County... 3 SSW Milton 63 1238 AM 10/30 ASOS Wrentham 60 218 AM 10/30 Amateur Radio Milton 60 1106 PM 10/29 Amateur Radio Randolph 50 1000 AM 10/30 Trained Spotter 1 ENE Norwood 48 1218 AM 10/30 ASOS ...Plymouth County... Duxbury 80 837 AM 10/30 Trained Spotter Plymouth 68 248 AM 10/30 Amateur Radio Wareham 62 400 AM 10/30 Amateur Radio 4 SW Plymouth 56 1242 AM 10/30 ASOS ...Suffolk County... 1 N East Boston 53 1243 AM 10/30 ASOS ...Worcester County... Milford 67 617 AM 10/30 Trained Spotter 3 WNW Worcester 48 1252 AM 10/30 ASOS
What Causes the Wind?
12Z surface analysis from April 30, 2011
Text description of the 12Z surface analysis from April 30, 2011 image.
The image is a detailed weather map featuring isobars, various weather symbols, and colors indicating different weather conditions. In the center-left, tightly packed circular isobars indicate a low-pressure system centered over Nebraska. The isobars are depicted as brown lines that form concentric circles around the center of the low pressure. A cold front, represented by a line with alternating blue triangles and red semicircles, extends diagonally from the northeastern to the southeastern part of the map, passing through states like Minnesota and Texas. Small numerals scattered across the map represent weather data such as temperature and pressure at various locations.
Apparent Forces Have Real Impact
two-compartment water tank
Text description of the two-compartment water tank image.
The image consists of four panels arranged in a 2x2 grid depicting a sequence of fluid dynamics in a clear double-chamber tank. Each chamber has blue liquid at different levels, separated by a vertical partition.
In the top-left panel, labeled "1", a hand is removing a barrier between the chambers. The left chamber contains more blue liquid, marked with the letter "H", indicating a higher level, while the right chamber is marked with "L" for lower.
The top-right panel, labeled "2", shows the liquid from the higher chamber beginning to flow into the lower chamber, with an arrow indicating the direction of flow.
The bottom-left panel, labeled "3", captures the water forming a wave as it moves to the right chamber, causing the liquid to rise.
In the bottom-right panel, labeled "4", the liquid is evenly leveled in both chambers.
standard tropical storm symbol
Text description of the standard tropical storm symbol image.
The image features a simple design consisting of a red symbol on a white background to the left and text to the right. The red symbol on the left resembles a spiral or a stylized hurricane icon. On the right, the text is in black and consists of two lines, displaying information regarding a tropical storm.
animation showing each perspective (0:11)
Text description of the animation showing each perspective image (0:11)
The image is a top-down view of the globe centered on the Arctic region and then flipping to the Antarctic region. It prominently displays the northern part of the Earth, showing the Arctic ice cap in white at the center. Surrounding it are parts of the northern continents, including North America, Europe, and Asia, depicted in various shades of green and brown, indicating land masses. The oceans are represented in dark blue. Overlaid on the image is a blue grid, forming a concentric pattern around the pole, possibly indicating lines of longitude and latitude.
Against the Wind
drawn some wind arrows
Text description of the drawn some wind arrows image.
This image is a weather map showing the Gulf Coast region of the United States, including parts of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. It features a series of concentric lines, known as isobars, indicating atmospheric pressure levels. The lines are labeled with numbers indicating pressure values, such as "1000" and "1004." Red arrows on the map suggest wind direction converging towards a central point near Louisiana, indicating a low-pressure system. The map is densely populated with various weather station data, represented by colored numbers and characters in different hues like red, blue, and green. These numbers typically represent weather conditions such as temperature, dew point, and atmospheric pressure.
Getting a Handle on the Wind
velocity vector points northward, blowing directly from higher to lower pressure
Text description of the Getting a Handle on the Wind image.
The image is a diagram illustrating atmospheric pressure differences. It features a series of horizontal black lines representing pressure levels. At the top, the text "Lower Pressure" in red signifies the area of lower atmospheric pressure. At the bottom, "Higher Pressure" in blue indicates the area of higher pressure. A gray square in the middle has a black upward arrow pointing upward, representing a force. Next to it, a larger purple arrow labeled "Wind Vector (not in balance)" also points upward, indicating wind direction. The diagram highlights the difference in pressure and how it affects wind vectors.
the wind blows across isobars in toward lower pressure somewhat
Text description of the the wind blows across isobars in toward lower pressure somewhat image.
The image is a diagram illustrating the interaction of pressure gradient force, Coriolis force, and friction force on wind movement. On the left, horizontal black lines depict pressure levels, with "Lower Pressure" labeled in red at the top and "Higher Pressure" in blue at the bottom. An arrow in black points from high to low pressure, representing the pressure gradient force. A red arrow represents the Coriolis force, turning the black arrow to the right slightly. A green arrow from the opposite direction indicates friction force. A purple arrow labeled "Wind Vector (Surface Wind)" shows the resultant wind direction. On the right, there are three vertical scales labeled Pressure Gradient, Latitude, and Friction, each with toggles for allowing Coriolis and friction effects. Below, a legend indicates arrow colors: black for pressure gradient force, red for Coriolis force, and green for friction force.
sea-level pressure analysis from 18Z on September 8, 2011
Text description of the sea-level pressure analysis from 18Z on September 8, 2011 image.
The image is a weather map illustrating meteorological data over the southern United States, particularly focusing on the Gulf Coast region. It shows contour lines of atmospheric pressure marked with isobars, which are brown concentric circles centered over the Gulf Coast, indicating a low-pressure system. Numerous weather station symbols populate the map, displaying temperature, dew point, wind speed, and wind direction using standard meteorological notation printed in various colors such as red, green, and blue. The numbers, laid out around each station, provide specific weather data including temperatures and pressure values. In the center, isobars are labeled with pressure readings, and the red number "989" near the center denotes the central pressure of the low-pressure system.
Key Skill: Determining Wind Direction
Controlling Traffic Around Highs and Lows
pattern of winds around Tropical Storm Lee
Text description of the pattern of winds around Tropical Storm Lee image.
The image is a meteorological map depicting a weather system over parts of the southern United States, particularly focusing on the Gulf Coast. The map includes a series of red contour lines indicating pressure levels: 989, 1000, and 1004 millibars. These lines wrap in a spiral pattern, suggesting a low-pressure system, likely a tropical disturbance or cyclone, centered over the Gulf of Mexico. Annotations on the map in various colors include temperature readings in red, dew point temperatures in green, and wind barbs in blue, indicating both speed and direction. A prominent cluster of red arrows points towards Louisiana, illustrating storm movement direction. The map includes topography, marked with curved coastlines and the boundaries of states such as Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.
Spokes of Highs and Lows
spokes on a bicycle wheel
Text description of the spokes on a bicycle wheel image.
The image features a black and white illustration of a bicycle wheel. The wheel is circular with a thick black outer rim and a slightly thinner inner rim. It has numerous thin spokes extending from the central hub to the rim in a symmetrical pattern. The hub is detailed with small shapes forming an intricate design. The background is plain white. In the top left corner, there is green text.
idealized surface weather map
Text description of the idealized surface weather map image.
The image shows a weather map focused on the eastern part of the United States, illustrating isobars and a low-pressure system. Black contour lines representing isobars are labeled with numbers such as 1016, 1020, 1024, 1028, and 1032, depicting areas of equal atmospheric pressure. These contours curve smoothly over the map, with a concentric circle in the upper-central region marking a low-pressure area labeled with a large red "L." A thick dashed line runs from north to south, intersecting the center of the low-pressure system. A red horizontal line, marked with points "A" and "B," spans the southeastern region of the map, intersecting the dashed line between them.
15Z surface analysis from May 7, 2012
Text description of the 15Z surface analysis from May 7, 2012 image.
The image is a weather map depicting the Midwestern region of the United States. It features isobars, pressure systems, and wind flow patterns. Red lines illustrate isobars labeled with pressure values such as 1005 and 1012, forming circular patterns around low-pressure systems marked with a red "L." Blue lines and symbols indicate wind direction and speed across the area. The map includes parts of several states such as Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and surrounding areas. The lines and symbols provide a visual representation of atmospheric pressure and wind flow dynamics over the region.
idealized sea-level pressure map with a center of high pressure and associated ridge
Text description of the idealized sea-level pressure map with a center of high pressure and associated ridge image.
The image is a weather map focusing on the eastern United States, depicting isobars, or lines of constant pressure, across the region. The map includes parts of several states from the Great Lakes down to the Gulf of Mexico. Several isobars are labeled with pressure values such as 1016 mb, 1020 mb, 1024 mb, 1028 mb, and 1032 mb, outlining a high-pressure system centered over the southeastern U.S. A thick black zigzag line runs down the middle of the map, signifying a frontal boundary or weather disturbance. In the southeast, there is a large blue "H" indicating a high-pressure system. Additionally, there is a red line labeled with the letters "C," "R," and "D" across the map, roughly extending from Ohio to New Jersey. The map is black and white, except for the red line and blue letter, which stand out.
high-pressure system and its associated ridges
Text description of the high-pressure system and its associated ridges image.
The image is a weather map displaying isobars, weather fronts, and pressure systems over a geographical area. Black lines represent isobars, connecting points of equal atmospheric pressure, and are spaced at regular intervals. Red lines are predominant, snaking across the map in curved patterns. Blue zigzag lines symbolize weather fronts, winding across regions and indicating changes in weather patterns. A blue "H" marks a high-pressure area located towards the left center, surrounded by isobars denoting varying pressure levels. The map's background is a simple white with faint geographical outlines, showcasing mountain ranges and coastlines.
Fronts and Pressure
named based on their source regions
Text description of the named based on their source regions image.
The image is a map of North America showing different air mass regions with arrows indicating the movement of these air masses. The regions are color-coded: a dark blue area labeled "Continental Arctic (cA)" is situated over northern Canada, representing cold, dry air. Below it, a light blue area labeled "Continental Polar (cP)" covers central Canada and parts of the northern United States. Two turquoise areas labeled "Maritime Polar (mP)" are positioned off the northwest coast and the northeastern United States, signifying cold, moist air from the oceans. Orange areas labeled "Maritime Tropical (mT)" are located off the southeast and southwest coasts, representing warm, moist oceanic air. A yellow region labeled "Continental Tropical (cT)" is found in the south-central United States, indicating warm, dry air. The map further includes a network of lines indicating latitude and longitude.
analysis of sea-level pressure from January 12, 1982
Text description of the analysis of sea-level pressure from January 12, 1982 image.
The image is a color-coded map illustrating sea level pressure in millibars over a portion of East Asia and the North Pacific region. The map uses a gradient of colors ranging from purple to pink, indicating different pressure levels, with purple representing the lowest pressure and pink the highest. The colors transition from dark purple in the lower region, through blue, green, and yellow, to orange and red at the top.
Two main features are labeled: a large "H" in blue near the top left, signifying a high-pressure area, and a red "L" near the bottom right, indicating a low-pressure area. These are situated over a simplified outline of the landmasses and coastlines, including parts of Russia, Japan, and surrounding areas.
15Z surface analysis
Text description of the 15Z surface analysis image.
The image is a detailed weather map showing surface analysis of the continental United States. Various meteorological symbols are used, including isobars in light brown and blue indicating pressure systems, which contour around the area. The map features a cold front represented by a blue line with triangles and a warm front depicted as a red line with semi-circles. Multiple high-pressure (H) and low-pressure (L) systems are marked in blue and red, respectively. Temperature and weather condition numbers in various colors are scattered across the map. The outlines of the United States, including state boundaries, are shown in black.
zoom in on the analysis
Text description of the zoom in on the analysis image.
The image is a weather map illustrating the central and eastern regions of the United States. It features numerous weather symbols, numbers, and colored lines. There are multiple isobars in red, indicating different pressure levels across the map. A blue cold front line curves from the southwest towards the northeast. Each weather station is marked with varying data, represented by numbers and symbols in diverse colors like red, blue, and orange, denoting temperature, wind direction, and other meteorological data. Some areas show numbers like "999" in red across Michigan, indicating specific pressure readings.