NAME:_________________________________
PERIOD: _____
LAB #9: Station Models
Background:
The reporting of present weather conditions and the forecasting of future weather is the combined effort of thousands
of weather stations throughout the world. More than 600 stations exist in the United States alone. These stations
report their weather variables to the National Weather Service. This weather information is computerized, analyzed
and plotted on weather maps. Weather maps can then help to forecast changes in the weather. Symbols and numbers
are placed on the weather maps to represent the atmospheric variables at a particular place and time.
The challenge is that a large amount of data needs to be communicated to for weather station in the US.
Because of the lack of space on weather maps, the weather information needs to be coded. In order to do this
the information needs to be highly organized and standard throughout country. By using station models the data
can be represented by a symbol or number, and its meaning is easily understood by where the symbol or number
is placed on the station model.
Through this lab you will learn to understand station models used in meteorology by coding and decoding a
variety of stations.
Objectives:
At the conclusion of this lab, I will be able to…
1.
2.
3.
4.
Analyze weather station models and determine weather factors found at those locations.
Draw weather station models accurately placing the weather factors in the correct position on the model.
Answer summary questions whose answers are based on the relationship of variables found on station models.
Use your knowledge of weather station models to determine weather conditions on two weather maps of the
United States.
Standards:
Materials:


Lab Report
Earth Science Reference Tables
A reminder on decoding air pressure:
Step 1: If the coded pressure is higher than 500, add a 9 to the front. If 500 or less add a 10
Step 2: Place a decimal between the last two numbers
Ex1: 629
becomes
9629
becomes 962.9
Ex2: 351
becomes
10351
becomes 1035.1
A reminder on encoding pressure:
Step 1: Remove the decimal point
Step 2: Report the last three numbers
Ex1: 984.6 becomes 846
Ex2: 1000.3 becomes 003
NAME:_________________________________
PERIOD: _____
PART 1 – Creating Station Models
Directions: Using your Earth Science Reference Tables as a guide, analyze station models 1-4 and fill in the
weather data requested in the data table. Be sure to decode all necessary data.
NAME:_________________________________
PERIOD: _____
PART 2 – Analyzing Station Models
Directions: In this part you are given weather observations in the data table. Take the data from the Data
Table and fill in the information in the correct location on station models 5-8. Be sure to encode any necessary
data.
NAME:_________________________________
STATION MODEL 5
STATION MODEL 6
PERIOD: _____
STATION MODEL 7
STATION MODEL 8
PART 3 – Analyzing Weather Map Data
Directions: Using the Eastern and Western maps of the United States determine the weather information
requested.
Map 1- Western U.S.
NAME:_________________________________
PERIOD: _____
Map 1- Western U.S. - QUESTIONS
1. Which city (cities) have the highest temperature? ____________________________
2. Which city has the greatest chance of precipitation? ___________________________
How did you know? ______________________________________________________________
3. Which city has an air pressure reading of:
1018.2 mb ______________ 1008.7 mb ______________ 1024.5 ______________
4. Which city (cities) have a wind direction of:
North _________________ Southwest _______________ East _________________
5. What is the general sky cover in North and South Dakota?
Map #2 - Eastern U.S.
_____________________________________________________________________
NAME:_________________________________
PERIOD: _____
Map #2 - Eastern U.S. - QUESTIONS
6. Which named city (cities) have the lowest temperatures? _______________________
7. Which named city has the lowest chance of precipitation? ______________________
8. What is the air pressure at:
Buffalo ________________ Miami _______________ Fargo________________
9. Determine the wind direction at:
Dallas _______________ Montreal _______________ Jacksonville ___________
10. List 2 cities that have clear sky cover. __________________
PART 4 – Questions
_________________