Earth Science
Atmospheric Processes
Collecting Weather Data
Traditional Tools
Study Tip
Weather reports on TV use all of these instruments to obtain accurate forecasts of the weather.
- A thermometer can be used to read temperature, either through temperature-sensitive Mercury or through a digital reading.
- A barometer is used to read the local air pressure. A low air pressure can usually signal an incoming storm.
Study Tip
Weather reports on TV use all of these instruments to obtain accurate forecasts of the weather.
- Typically, a weather station contains a thermometer and a barometer as well as the wind speed and direction.
Weather Technology
- A radiosonde is flown through the air in order to get a reading of the weather from up above, instead of on ground level.
- A weather radars can obtain readings on the levels of humidity and moisture, which can predict storms and rainfall.
- In recent years, satellites have been used as sources in collecting large-scale weather data, such as storms.
The thermometer is one of the most common ways to easily determine the weather
Concept Check
- What does a thermometer measure? What does a barometer measure?
- How does a radiosonde work?
