Iso bars

Isobars

1. Isobars They are lines that connect places with equal air pressure . Example : On the map isobars marked: 1004 represents an area of high pressure 976 represents an area of low pressure

2. Map showing ISOBARS Look at the map ,notice the series of circles in the east .This pattern is a low pressure system(L) ,or low .Isobar readings decrease toward the center of a low pressure system. The map shows another set of isobars in the west . This pattern is a high- pressure system (H),or high. The center of this system has high has higher air pressure than the surrounding area .

3. Importance of ISOBARS Isobars give scientists an idea of wind speed . Air moves fastest where pressure differences are greatest . Isobars spaced closely together show a large change in pressure over a small area . They indicate that wind speeds will be high. Widely spaced isobars indicate gentle wind .

4. Air pressure and weather Different types of weather develop in highs than in lows. In general , areas of high pressure have fair weather . Cumulus clouds might be present , but generally little or no rain falls . A low-pressure area usually has clouds and precipitation. Storms and rain often follow a drop in air pressure . When the barometer reading drops suddenly ,it is likely that precipitation will fall .