Question

Which one of the following is the correct description of isobars on a map for wind strength?

a) on an isobar map, lines on a map connecting points have the same temperature at a given time
b) on an isobar map, lines on a map connecting points having different atmospheric pressure at a given time
c) on an isobar map, closely spaced isobars representing weaker winds.
d) on an isobar map, closely spaced isobars representing stronger winds.

Answer 1

The correct description for isobars on a weather map is that closely spaced isobars represent stronger winds, since they indicate a steep pressure gradient, which leads to higher wind speeds.

Step-by-step explanation:

Isobars are lines on a weather map that represent areas of equal atmospheric pressure. The correct description for isobars on a map regarding wind strength is that closely spaced isobars represent stronger winds. This is because wind speed increases with the gradient of pressure changes, and closely spaced isobars indicate a steep pressure gradient. In contrast, when isobars are spaced further apart, the pressure gradient is more gentle, and the winds tend to be weaker.

The option that correctly describes this relationship is (d): on an isobar map, closely spaced isobars representing stronger winds. Options (a) and (b) are incorrect because they refer to temperature and different atmospheric pressures, respectively, which are not represented by isobars. Option (c) is also incorrect because it suggests the opposite relationship between isobar spacing and wind strength.

To further clarify using analogies, just as contour lines on a topographic map that are close together indicate a steep slope, similarly, closely spaced isobars on a weather map suggest strong winds due to a steep pressure gradient. This concept is part of the fundamental principles meteorologists use to predict weather patterns.