Weather Data and Forecasting Concepts

The video tutorial explains the essentials of weather forecasting, which include a mathematical model, a supercomputer, and accurate observations. It details the sources of atmospheric data, emphasizing the role of weather balloons and radiosondes in collecting upper air data. The tutorial also covers how sounding data is interpreted to predict severe weather and other phenomena. Additionally, it highlights the various applications of weather data, such as storm prediction, marine forecasts, and environmental monitoring.

What are the three essential components needed to create a weather forecast?

• Temperature, humidity, and wind speed

• Weather balloons, satellites, and radars

• Cloud patterns, ocean currents, and solar activity

• Mathematical model, supercomputer, and accurate observations

Which instrument is crucial for measuring upper atmospheric conditions?

• Barometer

• Radiosonde

• Anemometer

• Thermometer

What does the radiosonde measure?

• Only temperature

• Temperature, air pressure, humidity, and GPS location

• Wind speed and direction

• Cloud cover and precipitation

What is a sounding in the context of weather data?

• A type of weather radar

• A graph showing temperature and dew point with altitude

• A method of measuring ocean currents

• A satellite image of cloud cover

What weather phenomenon is indicated by a temperature inversion?

• A brown cloud or smog layer

• A hurricane

• A tornado

• A thunderstorm

How is weather data used in environmental monitoring?

• To track animal migration

• To measure soil moisture

• To monitor pollution and air quality

• To predict solar flares

Which of the following is NOT a use of weather data?

• Predicting river and stream levels

• Forecasting stock market trends

• Ground truthing radar and satellite data

• Monitoring the spread of mosquito-borne diseases

How often are weather balloons launched in the U.S.?

• Once a day

• Every six hours

• Twice a day

• Every hour

What is the purpose of the global radiosonde network?

• To provide observations for accurate weather forecasts worldwide

• To track ocean currents

• To provide data for local weather stations only

• To monitor volcanic activity

How many sites are part of the global radiosonde network?

• 900

• 500

• 1200

• 92