regents earth science high and low pressure systems weather systems unit by the end of this class,...
TRANSCRIPT
Regents Earth Science
HIGH AND LOW PRESSURE SYSTEMSWEATHER SYSTEMS UNIT
By the end of this class, you will be able to:*Compare and contrast high and low pressure systems
*Identify areas of high and low pressure on a weather map
DO NOW: What’s in a letter?
Take a moment to think about what each letter stands for when used on a weather map
High Pressure Low Pressure
Type of phenomenon Weather system
Determined by… Changes in air pressure
Moving inward on isobars…
Pressure Increases Pressure Decreases
Density of air Higher (increases) Lower (decreases)
Representation on a map H (typically blue) L (typically red)
Motion of air Clockwise, air sinks Counterclockwise, air rises
Also known as… Anticyclone Cyclone
Motion of air causes a zone of…
Divergence Convergence
Stability of atmosphere Stable Unstable
Typical weather Clear skyDry
Stormy
Compare/Contrast ChartHigh and Low Pressure
Low vs. High
Identify one center of high pressure and one center of low pressure using the letters on the map below. Be able to briefly explain your answer.
Fronts-
Warm front: an area where a warm air mass is replacing a cooler air mass
What to Expect
Before the front passes: cool or cold temperatures, a falling barometer, an increase and thickening in clouds, light-to-moderate precipitation, winds from the south-southeast, rise in dewpoint
After the front has passed: Warmer and more humid weather conditions, clearing clouds, a brief rise in pressure, winds from the south-southwest, high dewpoint
NOTE: “A high dewpoint” means that the temperature and dewpoint are close together. (ex. 32F temp, 30 F dewpoint)
“A low dewpoint” means that the temperature and dewpoint are far apart (ex. 55F temp, 30F dewpoint)
There is ALWAYS a dewpoint!
Cold Front
Cold front: an area where a cold air mass is replacing a warmer air mass
What to Expect
Before the Front: winds from the south-southwest, warm temperatures, a falling barometer (dropping pressure), an increase in clouds, a short period of precipitation and a high dew point
After the Front: winds from the west-northwest, a drop in temps, a rise in pressure, showers followed by clearing skies, and a falling dewpoint
Stationary Front
Stationary Fronts: a boundary between air masses that are not moving
What to expect: a noticeable change in wind direction or temperature when crossing from one side of the front to the other
Occluded Fronts
Occluded Front: occur when warm air is pushed above Earth’s surface by cooler air that is closing in from both sides
A developing cyclone usually has a warm front and a faster moving cold front that wraps around the storm.
An occluded front forms when cold air behind the cold front catches up to the warm front, which is stuck behind the cool air already in place
What to expect: A change in temp., dewpoint or wind direction is possible
Animation of Fronts <3Animation of Fronts
Movement of Weather Revisited
Most of the tracks (paths) follow a southwest to northeast pattern because of the United States’ location in the prevailing southwest wind belt
Video: Tying it Together!: Jet Streams, Pressure Systems and Fronts