In this chapter, you will learn how to identify and understand weather maps and their symbols. You will learn how to identify weather systems displayed on weather maps and their associated atmospheric conditions. Reading weather maps is a skill so make sure to practise answering questions on them.
KEY WORDS
l Synoptic chart l Met Éireann l Isobar l Front l Depression
l Anticyclone l Millibar l Warm front l Cold front l Occluded front
LEARNING OUTCOMES
What you MUST know l How to identify isobars and read atmospheric pressure
l How to identify a cold front, a warm front and an occluded front
l How to identify a cyclone and an anticyclone on a synoptic chart
l How to read wind radar and wind rose diagrams
What you SHOULD know l The weather conditions associated with each front type
What is USEFUL to know l Additional weather maps of Ireland and Europe, which can be obtained on www.met.ie
l Wind chart l Wind rose diagram l Isotherms l Sunshine map
Introduction
Weather maps illustrate the meteorological conditions over a specific area at a specific time. Met Éireann is Ireland’s meteorological organisation. It constructs weather charts by piecing together several weather reports from different weather stations across the country. The overall weather conditions are represented on a synoptic chart through a series of coloured lines and symbols. The following information is included on synoptic charts:
• Isobars • Fronts • Depressions • Anticyclones
GEO DICTIONARY
Meteorology: the study of atmospheric conditions and forecasting of weather conditions
Synoptic chart: a map that represents the overall weather conditions of an area through a series of symbols
