8.4.2 How to read a Synoptic Chart

  • Isobars – lines of equal pressure marked as lines around highs and lows. The closer the isobars, the stronger the winds
  • Anticyclone (“high”) – Shown as an “H
  • depression (“low” or “cyclone”) – Shown as an “L
  • Ridge of high pressure – When isobars turn a sharp corner around a High they form what is called a ridge of high pressure, which is often shaped like a tongue extending from the High center.
  • Trough of low pressure – Black lines showing unstable air
  • Col – A Col is the neutral area between highs and lows. Shown as a large gap in isobars
  • Cold fronts – marked by a line with triangles pointing to where it is moving
  • Warm fronts –  marked by a line with semicircles pointing to where it is moving
  • Warm Sector – The area behind a warm front and ahead of a cold front
  • Occluded fronts – marked by a line with triangles and semicircles on the same side
  • Stationary fronts – marked by a line with alternate triangles and semicircles on opposite sides

8.4.2 Identify the following features found on surface weather maps:
8.4.8 Identify areas of light, moderate and strong winds on a weather map.

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