A World of Weather: Chapter 5 Laboratory Question

Chapter 5


11. In Figure 5.19(a-c), you are given isoplethed maps of vapor pressure, dew point, and relative humidity at the surface at 12Z on May 20, 1995.

  1. Using these three maps, argue why the dew point is a much better measure of the actual water vapor content of the air than the relative humidity is.
  2. Now take a journey across the map using the 10-mb vapor pressure isopleth as your road, starting at point A and ending at point T. At each point along the way, estimate the dew point and the relative humidity, and graph both (dots are supplied on the dew point and relative humidity maps to help). Which varies the most as you ride the isopleth of constant vapor pressure? Why do you think there is such large variability?