Decoding the Sky: The Ultimate Weather Maps Quiz

  • 8th Grade
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| Attempts: 22 | Questions: 20 | Updated: Feb 2, 2026
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1. What do the blue triangles on a weather map line represent?

Explanation

If blue is the color used for cold temperatures and triangles represent the direction of a moving air mass, then this symbol indicates a cold front.

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About This Quiz
Decoding The Sky: The Ultimate Weather Maps Quiz - Quiz

Decoding the secret language of the forecast. To a meteorologist, a map is filled with symbols that tell a story of pressure, wind, and temperature. This weather maps quiz puts the ability to translate these complex visual blueprints to the test.

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2. A capital "L" on a weather map indicates a region of low air pressure, which often brings cloudy or stormy weather.

Explanation

If low pressure occurs where air rises and cools to form clouds, then the "L" symbol correctly identifies areas likely to experience precipitation.

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3. What does a red line with red semicircles represent on a weather map?

Explanation

If red is the color for heat and semicircles represent the forward edge of moving warm air, then this symbol signifies a warm front.

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4. The symbol consisting of purple triangles and semicircles on the same side of a line represents an _____ front.

Explanation

If a cold front overtakes a warm front and lifts it off the ground, then the combined purple symbol represents this specific occluded state.

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5. Which symbol represents a stationary front?

Explanation

If two air masses are pushing against each other but neither is moving, then the symbols for both must appear on opposite sides of the boundary line.

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6. Wind direction is shown on a weather station model by a "staff" or line pointing in the direction the wind is blowing TOWARD.

Explanation

If a station model uses a staff to show wind origin, then the line points in the direction the wind is coming FROM, not toward.

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7. How is cloud cover represented on a weather station model?

Explanation

If the central circle of a station model represents the sky, then the amount of shading inside that circle indicates the percentage of the sky covered by clouds.

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8. On a weather map, a line with purple triangles and semicircles is called an _____ front.

Explanation

If a faster cold front catches a slower warm front, then the resulting boundary is colored purple and called an occluded front.

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9. A weather map with many close isobars over the ocean suggests that sailors should expect calm seas.

Explanation

If close isobars indicate high wind speeds, and high winds create large waves, then the weather conditions will be rough rather than calm.

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10. If isobars are spaced very close together on a map, what does this indicate about the wind?

Explanation

If isobars show pressure changes over distance, and a steep change (lines close together) creates a strong pressure gradient force, then the wind will blow faster.

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11. A capital "H" on a weather map usually signifies what kind of weather?

Explanation

If high pressure causes air to sink and prevents cloud formation, then the area marked with "H" will typically have clear and dry skies.

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12. What do "isotherms" connect on a weather map?

Explanation

If "iso-" means equal and "therm" refers to thermal energy, then these lines connect geographic locations experiencing the same temperature.

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13. If you see a symbol showing a blue line with triangles pointing South, which way is the cold air moving?

Explanation

If the triangles on a front symbol act as directional arrows, then the air mass is moving in the direction those triangles are pointing.

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14. What does the dew point temperature on a station model tell us?

Explanation

If the dew point is the saturation temperature, then it indicates how much moisture is in the air and when dew or fog might form.

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15. In which direction does air generally move in a High Pressure system in the Northern Hemisphere?

Explanation

If the Coriolis effect acts on sinking air pushing away from a high-pressure center, then the air must circulate clockwise and move outward.

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16. In a station model, the "feathers" or "barbs" on the wind staff indicate the wind speed.

Explanation

If longer lines represent 10 knots and shorter lines represent 5 knots, then these marks effectively communicate the recorded wind speed.

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17. On a weather map, what do lines called "isobars" connect?

Explanation

If the prefix "iso-" means equal and "bar" refers to barometric pressure, then these lines must connect points with the same air pressure.

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18. Which of the following can be determined by looking at a weather station model?

Explanation

If a station model is a shorthand for local data, then it includes temperature, pressure, dew point, and wind, but it does not typically list the city name.

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19. On a weather map, _____ are used to show the boundary between two different air masses.

Explanation

If different bodies of air do not mix easily, then the line representing the zone where they meet is called a front.

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20. In a weather station model, the value in the upper left corner typically represents the _____.

Explanation

If standard meteorological notation places the current air temperature in a specific corner of the station plot, then that location is the upper left.

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What do the blue triangles on a weather map line represent?
A capital "L" on a weather map indicates a region of low air pressure,...
What does a red line with red semicircles represent on a weather map?
The symbol consisting of purple triangles and semicircles on the same...
Which symbol represents a stationary front?
Wind direction is shown on a weather station model by a "staff" or...
How is cloud cover represented on a weather station model?
On a weather map, a line with purple triangles and semicircles is...
A weather map with many close isobars over the ocean suggests that...
If isobars are spaced very close together on a map, what does this...
A capital "H" on a weather map usually signifies what kind of weather?
What do "isotherms" connect on a weather map?
If you see a symbol showing a blue line with triangles pointing South,...
What does the dew point temperature on a station model tell us?
In which direction does air generally move in a High Pressure system...
In a station model, the "feathers" or "barbs" on the wind staff...
On a weather map, what do lines called "isobars" connect?
Which of the following can be determined by looking at a weather...
On a weather map, _____ are used to show the boundary between two...
In a weather station model, the value in the upper left corner...
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