What is an Isobar?

An isobar is defined as a line on a weather chart that connects points of equal atmospheric pressure at a given time. This depiction helps meteorologists and others analyze and visualize pressure patterns across different regions, which is crucial for weather forecasting.

The presence of isobars on a chart indicates areas of high and low pressure, playing a key role in understanding wind patterns, as wind tends to flow from high-pressure areas to low-pressure areas. The spacing of isobars also provides insights into wind speed; closely packed isobars suggest stronger winds, while widely spaced isobars indicate lighter winds.

Other options describe different meteorological concepts. For example, lines indicating temperature changes are known as isotherms, while lines of equal wind speed are referred to as isotachs. Markers for altitude on maps typically denote elevation above sea level and are not designated by isobars. Understanding isobars is essential for interpreting weather data effectively.