meteorology air mass depression polar front altostratus nimbostratus warm front cold front
synoptic chart occluded front hectopascals millibars
LEARNING INTENTIONS
By the end of this chapter I will be able to: z z zz zz zz zz z z
list the elements that influence weather;
identify the weather patterns associated with depressions and anticyclones; recognise the different symbols and weather patterns on synoptic weather charts; interpret weather data from synoptic weather charts;
identify and interpret different graphical representations of weather data;
recognise and link images to relevant descriptions based on the uses of satellite imagery such as physical feature identification, environmental damage and natural disasters;
zz
explain how GIS systems are used in the mapping process and describe their uses and limitations.
Syllabus Link: 3
Weather Maps
Meteorology is the study of processes in our atmosphere and predicting and forecasting their likely weather outcomes.
Meteorologists study atmospheric pressure, temperature, moisture and wind and collect a variety of data which enables them to produce detailed synoptic weather charts.
Less detailed charts and maps can be found on mobile phone apps, websites and newspapers. Occupations and activities requiring weather information include pilots, fishermen, farmers and shipping. Local authorities monitor snow forecasts for gritting and salting roads and to organise flood protection during heavy rain spells, while power companies use forecasts to prepare for storm outages. Met Éireann is the Irish Metrological Service.
Understanding the weather
Weather refers to the state of the atmosphere at a particular time. There are a number of factors which have an influence on the weather we experience in Ireland including air mass, depressions and anticyclones.
