FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Practice Exam

In meteorology, what do isobars represent?

1. Areas of high humidity

2. Equal temperature zones

3. Equal pressure points

4. Weather warnings

The correct answer is: Equal pressure points

Isobars are lines drawn on a weather map that connect points of equal atmospheric pressure. They are an essential tool in meteorology for analyzing weather patterns. When isobars are densely packed, it indicates a steep pressure gradient, which typically corresponds to strong winds. Conversely, widely spaced isobars suggest a gentle pressure gradient and lighter winds. Understanding isobars helps meteorologists predict weather systems and movements, such as the formation of high and low-pressure areas that influence weather conditions like storms and clear skies. The other options refer to different meteorological concepts. Humidity is measured using different metrics, and while temperature zones are represented through isotherms, they do not convey information on pressure. Weather warnings are issued based on various criteria but are not directly represented by isobars on a map.