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Weather & Climate

Station model symbols, planetary wind belts, atmosphere layers cross-section, fronts, and pressure systems.

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Key to Weather Map Symbols & Station Model

Standard meteorological station model layout: temperature, dewpoint, pressure code, barometric tendency, precipitation, cloud cover, and front symbols.

Reference Table p. 18

  • 1
    Pressure coding rule1013.2 mb is coded as 132 (shortened to last 3 digits, omitting decimal)
  • 2
    Decoding pressureIf first digit is 0-5, prefix with 10; if 6-9, prefix with 9, then insert decimal
  • 3
    Negative barometric tendencyPressure falling over past 3 hours (storm approaching)
  • 4
    Cold front symbolLine with solid triangles pointing in direction of motion (fast lift, storms)
  • 5
    Warm front symbolLine with solid semicircles pointing in direction of motion (steady rain)

Planetary Wind Belts & Earth’s Lower Atmosphere

Coriolis deflection of planetary wind belts, moisture belts (rising wet vs. sinking dry air), and vertical temperature structure of the atmosphere.

Reference Table p. 19

  • 1
    TroposphereLowest layer — contains almost all water vapor and weather activity
  • 2
    StratosphereContains the Ozone Layer (absorbs incoming solar UV radiation, warming layer)
  • 3
    Northern Hemisphere wind deflectionDeflected to the right due to Earth’s rotation (Coriolis effect)
  • 4
    Mid-latitude prevailing windsPrevailing Westerlies (blow southwest to northeast in NY)
  • 5
    Equatorial belt (0° latitude)Rising air creates a warm, wet low-pressure zone