Air Under Pressure
Students explore air massesCopyright NOAA, National Weather Service, Southern Region Headquarters, Little Rock, AR http://www.srh.noaa.gov/lzk/images/sfc122500a.jpg
Students are introduced to air masses, with an emphasis on the differences between and characteristics of high- versus low-pressure air systems. Students explore actual data by comparing maps of high- and low-pressure air masses to radar data showing where weather is occurring. Students also hear about weather forecasting instrumentation and how engineers work to improve these instruments for atmospheric measurements on Earth and in space.
Engineers are involved in many aspects of weather forecasting and weather-appropriate design. They develop instruments, including barometers to measure air pressure, which are essential to our understanding of the Earth's weather systems. Air pressure maps can be correlated to weather systems as they move across the country! Additionally, engineers design software to analyze and integrate complex weather information for meteorologists to use. They also help develop websites (and software) to present weather information in ways that people can understand. Civil engineers utilize weather data when designing roads, buildings and structures, to make sure their designs are suitable for the climate. Environmental engineers utilize weather measurements to determine the placement and effectiveness of renewal energy technologies, such as wind farms and solar arrays. Have students practice building and using forcasting equipment with the associated activity Building a Barometer.
After this lesson, students should be able to:
- Describe the effect of the sun on air masses in the Earth's atmosphere.
- Compare and contrast high- and low-pressure air systems.
- Describe how high- and low-pressure air systems are related to weather events.
- Explain that engineers design instrumentation, such as a barometer, to help analyze the Earth's weather systems.