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What is a 500 millibar chart?
The 500 millibar (mb) map plots a variety of information collected by weather balloons and represents atmospheric conditions at an altitude of approximately 5,500 meters (18,000 feet). The map displays: The air temperature (degrees Celsius) in red. The dew point temperature (degrees Celsius) in green.
Where can a pilot gather weather information?
Pilots access whether via websites, radio & telephone briefing services, radio broadcasts, pilot reports, satellite and weather radar imagery, and their own eyesight. Knowing the actual and forecast weather conditions allows pilots & air traffic controllers to make decisions regarding flight safety.
What is the source of information where you find the aviation forecast for a specific airport?
Flight Service Station (FSS) The FSS is the primary source for preflight weather information. A preflight weather briefing from an FSS can be obtained 24 hours a day by calling 1-800-WX BRIEF from anywhere in the United States and Puerto Rico.
How do you read a 500 millibar chart?
The contour maps of 500 mb height are interpreted in the same way as topographic maps of ground surface elevation. The line highlighted in pink on the sample map is the 5700 meter contour line. The height of the 500 mb surface is 5700 meters above sea level for all points along the line.
What is the force of wind called?
The speed and direction of the wind is governed by three forces; the pressure gradient force (PGF), the Coriolis Force and friction. In the absence of the Coriolis Force and friction, the wind flows directly from the center of the high to the center of the low.
What height is 500mb?
5700 meters
The height of the 500 mb surface is 5700 meters above sea level for all points along the line.
What should you know about a 500 millibar vorticity plot?
When looking at a vorticity plot or a 500 millibar chart you should now know the processes in the atmosphere that are causing the vorticity (shear, curvature, coriolis vorticity (aka earth vorticity)). The strength of the wind is also very important.
What does Jeff Haby mean by 500 millibars?
METEOROLOGIST JEFF HABY When forecasters think of the 500-millibar chart one of the top words that comes to their mind is VORTICITY. For operational purposes, vorticity can be thought of simply as a COUNTER-CLOCKWISE or CLOCKWISE spin.
Where are the vorticity maximums in the atmosphere?
Again, vorticity maximums will be located in areas where the most vorticity terms are positive and largely positive in magnitude. When looking at a vorticity plot or a 500 millibar chart you should now know the processes in the atmosphere that are causing the vorticity (shear, curvature, coriolis vorticity (aka earth vorticity).
Which is the best 500 millibars temperature chart?
The 500 millibars chart is the best for examining the overall trough/ ridge pattern. Underneath troughs, temperatures are cooler than normal while under ridges warmer than normal. WHAT TO LOOK FOR: (1) This is the best chart to assess the magnitude of vorticity.