Questions and Answers
What information do constant pressure analysis charts provide?
Information about the observed upper-air temperature, wind, and temperature/dew point spread along the proposed route.
What do height contours (solid lines) in a constant pressure analysis chart depict?
Highs, lows, troughs, and ridges aloft in the same manner as isobars on a surface chart.
How is the height of a pressure system represented on a constant pressure analysis chart?
With a bold 3-digit code embedded in the constant pressure.
What should be added to the code on 300-mb and 500-mb charts?
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How is height expressed in a constant pressure analysis chart?
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On a 200-mb chart, a prefix of ___________ and a __________ at the end.
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What can be developed by interpreting the solid height contour of a constant pressure analysis chart?
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On what charts do isotachs appear?
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How are isotachs shown on a chart?
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What do isotachs depict on a chart?
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Areas of strong winds are denoted by what?
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What does a clear area within a hatched area denote?
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How do you interpret the jet stream path?
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How is vertical shear determined?
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When is vertical wind shear critical for probable turbulence?
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How is horizontal wind shear determined?
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When is horizontal wind shear critical for turbulence (moderate or greater)?
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How do you determine vertical development of a low-pressure area?
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What does a low that tilts little with height, with upper winds encircling the low identify?
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The ______________, ____________, and _______ are shown on constant pressure charts for various flight levels.
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At what flight level is temperature, temperature/dew point spread, and winds aloft shown on a 500-mb chart?
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At what flight level is temperature, temperature/dew point spread, and winds aloft shown on a 300-mb chart?
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At what flight level is temperature, temperature/dew point spread, and winds aloft shown on a 200-mb chart?
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What information do weather stations that send up radiosondes provide?
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On constant pressure analysis charts, satellite and aircraft observations are used in the analysis over ____________.
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How is a satellite observation plotted on a constant pressure analysis chart?
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How is an aircraft observation plotted on a constant pressure analysis chart?
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Study Notes
Constant Pressure Analysis Charts
- Constant pressure analysis charts display upper-air temperature, wind, and temperature/dew point spread along flight routes.
- Height contours are represented as solid lines, indicating highs, lows, troughs, and ridges aloft, similar to isobars on surface charts.
- Heights of pressure systems appear as bold three-digit codes within the chart; for 300-mb and 500-mb charts, add a zero (e.g., 912 signifies 9,120 meters MSL).
- The expressed height in constant pressure analysis charts is measured in meters above mean sea level (MSL).
- On a 200-mb chart, a prefix of '1' and a suffix '0' is used (e.g., 210 means 12,100 meters MSL).
- Interpreting solid height contours can create a three-dimensional representation of the atmosphere.
- Isotachs, which indicate wind speed, are present only on 300-mb and 200-mb charts.
- Isotachs are illustrated as dashed lines and represent lines of equal wind speed.
- Areas of strong winds (70-110 knots) are denoted by hatching on the chart.
- A clear area within a hatched region indicates winds between 110-150 knots.
- Jet stream paths are interpreted by identifying winds of 50 knots or more.
- Vertical shear is assessed by comparing winds across vertically adjacent constant pressure charts.
- Vertical wind shear is significant for turbulence when it exceeds 5 knots per 1,000 feet.
- Horizontal wind shear is determined by the spacing of isotachs.
- Horizontal shear becomes critical for moderate or greater turbulence when it exceeds 18 knots per 150 nautical miles.
- The vertical development of a low-pressure area is evaluated by examining 500-, 300-, and 200-mb charts.
- A low-pressure system with minimal height tilt and upper winds encircling it indicates a slow-moving storm that may lead to extensive cloudiness and adverse flying conditions.
- Constant pressure charts convey temperature, temperature/dew point spread, and winds aloft for various flight levels.
- Weather data at 500-mb is from 18,000 feet altitude, at 300-mb from 30,000 feet, and at 200-mb from 39,000 feet.
- Weather stations utilizing radiosondes provide data on temperature, temperature/dew point spread, wind, and height change over the last 12 hours.
- Satellite and aircraft observations enhance analysis in areas with sparse data.
- Satellite observations are plotted on charts starting from the cloud top location.
- Aircraft observations are indicated by a square at the aircraft's location on the chart.
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Test your understanding of constant pressure analysis charts through these flashcards. Covering essential concepts like upper-air temperature and height contours, this quiz helps solidify your knowledge of meteorological analysis techniques. Perfect for students and enthusiasts in atmospheric science.
