A New Perspective on Surface Weather Maps

Abstract

A two-dimensional weather map is actually a physical representation of three-dimensional atmospheric conditions at a specific point in time. Abstract thinking is required to visualize this two-dimensional image in three-dimensional form. But once that visualization is accomplished, many of the meteorological concepts and processes conveyed by the weather map become easier to understand. In this exercise, students in grades 6-12 build a three-dimensional model of a weather map to visualize and help interpret meteorological concepts and processes occurring at the earth's surface.

Keywords:

• air pressure
• meteorology
• model building
• weather maps
• wind