Final answer:
An isohyet is the term for a line on a map that connects points with equal quantities of precipitation, and it is a type of isoline used in meteorology and geography to illustrate precipitation patterns.
Step-by-step explanation:
The line on a map that joins points of equal quantities of precipitation is known as an isohyet. Isohyets are similar to other types of isolines—lines on a map that connect points of equal value. In this case, the value is the amount of precipitation. Isohyets are commonly used in meteorology and geography to map precipitation patterns over an area. These lines help in understanding the distribution of rain or snow over a region within a specific period, such as a month, season, or year.
In a broader context, this concept is related to other types of isolines such as contour lines on topographic maps, which represent lines of equal elevation and are analogous to equipotential lines in physics. Another example is isobars, which denote areas of constant pressure on weather maps. All these isolines are invaluable tools as they allow for the visualization of various gradients and distributions across geographical landscapes. This aids in various studies and predictions related to not just weather, but also geomorphology and civil engineering.