What is an isobar on a weather map?
Quick Answer
An isobar is a line connecting places with the same air pressure, usually measured in millibars or hectopascals. Meteorologists use isobars to spot highs, lows, and pressure gradients.
The Full Story
Isobars help show how air pressure changes across an area, which is crucial for understanding wind and storm behavior. When isobars are packed closely together, the pressure gradient is strong and winds are usually faster. The concept became a standard part of modern weather charting in the 20th century as meteorology became more systematic. On many weather maps, sea-level pressure is shown with isobars labeled in hPa, a unit equal to one millibar.
Key Facts
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