SCIE2223-Weather and Waves Lab Report - Environment Assignment He

Assignment Task

Task 

Weather maps and forecasts

Details:
During our field activity we discussed how we measure the weather. In this lab activity you will learn how these measurements are used along with models to forecast the weather. You will first build your skills in interpreting synoptic charts to make your own weather predictions. During the lab you will undertake a series of tasks within your group and this will form the basis for your computer lab report (which is individual). Details of the report requirements are included at the end of this document.

Part 1 - Synoptic charts 
There are a number of key features on a synoptic chart that you need to be able to identify.
1. ISOBARS
Isobars are the lines on weather maps that join areas of equal air pressure. Numbers higher than 1013 hectopascals (hPa) on an isobar indicate high air pressure. Numbers lower than 1013 hPa indicate low air pressure. 

Below is a figure of the United States of America with a series of pressure measurements in hPa. Following the rules of equal pressure generate your own isobars. Discuss with your group the weather features that emerge from your isobars. Remember isobars do not cross each other. Isobars are usually drawn for every four millibars (hint start at 1024).

2. LOW AND HIGH PRESSURE CELLS
Low and high pressure cells are often dominant features in a synoptic chart. Low pressure systems (cyclones/depressions) indicate cloudy or rainy regions. High pressure systems (anticyclones) indicate fine cool dry weather. The lowest or highest pressure of a pressure system is contained at the centre of the cell.

For the following synoptic charts discuss in your groups where you think the wind would be strongest and which direction are they are blowing.

4. TROUGHS AND RIDGES
Troughs are elongated extensions of areas of low pressure. They bring similar weather to that associated with depressions/lows. They are indicated on a weather map by a blue dashed line.
Ridges are elongated extensions of areas of high pressure. They bring similar weather to that associated with anticyclones. Ridges are represented as a finger-shaped isobars.

In your groups identify the ridges and troughs in the following synoptic chart

5. FRONTS
An air mass is a large section of the atmosphere containing air with a similar temperature and moisture content. A line drawn on a weather map to show where two different air masses meet is called a front. There are two main types of fronts: cold fronts and warm fronts.

Part 2 – Making a weather forecast 
1. HISTORICAL CHARTS
The synoptic charts we have just been looking at can be used to make a general weather forecast for the day (more specific forecasts for days ahead will be discussed in the next section). Based on your knowledge of synoptic charts you will now make some predictions about what the weather was likely to be like at the major cities for a particular date in history. In your groups go to Choose a synoptic chart that you find interesting (this can be done by trialling different date ranges). For your chosen chart describe the weather at the locations in the table below. You can estimate the wind direction, is it windy or calm? Describe the likely temperatures (‘warmer’, ‘cooler’, ‘about normal for the time of the year’). Is it likely to be raining, is a cold front approaching?

Part 3 - Instructions for Report on Weather maps and forecasts

You will now produce a report based on what you have learnt in today’s session (and your online modules). While you have worked in groups until this point, your report must be individual. Reports are to be submitted through Turnitin via the BB link provided in your assessments tab. When writing your report please use the headings provided and stick to the word limits (i.e. answer each question under the heading specified).

1. FRONTS 
Using the synoptic chart archive identify one example of each type of weather front (Cold,Warm, Occluded and Stationary). Discuss which regions would be most affected by each of your front examples.

2. INTERPRETING A SYNOPTIC CHART 
Prepare a national weather forecast suitable for an online newspaper using the historical synoptic chart you chose in Part 2 and your analysis of each city in Table 2. The forecast will need to include the appropriate weather terminology.

3. DEVELOPING A SYNOPTIC CHART 
Choose one of the following scenarios and develop a figure showing the ideal synoptic chart to match that situation (in your opinion). Explain why the synoptic chart would be ideal. This can be hand drawn and scanned, or you can use computer-based tools.

Scenarios:
a. You are hosting a large-outdoor party (e.g. a wedding or big birthday party) in Brisbane
b. You are a farmer located in Wagga Wagga and you have just planted a crop of Wheat
c. You manage Warragamba Dam and the storage is at 20?pacity
d. You own a ski resort in Southern Victoria and there have been no snow falls yet and you have guests arriving in two weeks’ time.

4. ASSESSING THE ACCURACY OF 7-DAY WEATHER FORECASTS 
In part 3 of the prac you recorded the 7-day weather forecast at two locations in Australia. Now you will assess how accurate the forecasts were. Compare your forecast to the actual weather that occurred on the day (this can be done in a table). Discuss how accurate the forecast was and if this changed as the lead time increased. Comment on any particular synoptic conditions that may be have made the forecast more/less accurate. * Note this task will need to be completed after the 7 days has elapsed.

5. FORECASTING EXTREME EVENTS 
We discussed the issues of forecasting TC Debbie in our groups. Choose another significant weather-related event and discuss the challenges associated with its forecast

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