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Purpose: The purpose of this lab is to become familiar with contouring and visualizing data. Additionally, students will apply force balance diagrams to assessing wind directions, both at upper-levels and the surface. This is important for being able to analyze weather charts and understanding wind flow around storm systems.
Learning Objectives: Contour isopleths & understand forces associated with wind.
Contouring is the process of drawing lines of equal value (isopleths). There are lots of different isopleths that can be plotted. The steps, in order of how to contour, are covered.
There are many features we can assess after contouring a surface and upper-level chart.
Pressure gradient force (PGF) is the fundamental reason we have wind. It is directed from high to low pressure. Coriolis force is the "apparent" force that counteracts PGF. In the northern hemisphere, the coriolis force is 90° to the right of the wind. Friction force only acts near / on the surface and opposes the wind. Centrifugal force only applies in curved flow (like being in a fast car going around a curve).
Geostrophic Wind: Occurs when PGF and Coriolis in balance (not at surface).
Surface Wind: When friction is involved, it reduced the Coriolis force, and therefore we no longer are in Geostrophic Balance.
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