Air Pressure and Isobars

Front

What is air pressure?

Back

Air pressure is the force exerted by the weight of air above a surface. It decreases with altitude.

Front

What does a high pressure area indicate about the weather?

Back

A high pressure area usually indicates fair weather with clear skies.

Front

What does a low pressure area indicate about the weather?

Back

A low pressure area is usually associated with cloudy and rainy weather.

Front

What are isobars?

Back

Isobars are lines on a weather map that connect areas of equal atmospheric pressure.

Front

What type of weather is typically associated with high pressure?

Back

Fair weather is typically associated with high pressure.

Front

What type of weather is typically associated with low pressure?

Back

Cloudy and rainy weather is typically associated with low pressure.

Front

How does altitude affect air pressure?

Back

Air pressure decreases as altitude increases.

Front

What instrument is used to measure air pressure?

Back

A barometer is used to measure air pressure.

Front

What is the unit of measurement for air pressure?

Back

Air pressure is commonly measured in millibars (mb) or inches of mercury (inHg).

Front

What happens to isobars when a storm is approaching?

Back

Isobars are usually closer together, indicating a steep pressure gradient and stronger winds.