FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Practice Exam

What information can water vapor imagery most effectively provide?

1. Temperature of surface materials

2. Locations of storm systems

3. Humidity levels at ground level

4. Overall cloud cover

The correct answer is: Locations of storm systems

Water vapor imagery is particularly effective at providing insight into the locations of storm systems. This type of imagery captures the presence and movement of water vapor in the atmosphere, which is crucial during storm formation and development. Water vapor is a key component of weather systems, as it indicates where moisture is concentrated. Storms tend to form in areas with significant moisture, and water vapor imagery can help identify regions of enhanced moisture, which correlates with the presence of deep convection and rising air associated with storm systems. The imagery highlights how water vapor is transported within the atmosphere, allowing meteorologists to track where storms may intensify or where potential severe weather may develop. In contrast, while imagery can inform viewers about cloud cover and humidity to some extent, those aspects do not provide the focused information on storm locations that water vapor imagery excels at. Temperature of surface materials and humidity levels at ground level are also more effectively captured through different types of data or imagery, making them less effective in pinpointing storm systems compared to water vapor imagery.