Skew-T / Log-P Diagram ::: The Paper Calculator (Part 1/3)

Referred hereafter primarily as "Skew-T's," and sometimes, 'soundings,' these diagrams / graphs play a significant role in meteorology. They are used to plot readings from weather balloons (called soundings) which allow the meteorologist to assess the entire state of the atmosphere (troposphere, primarily): from temperature, dew-point, and wind profiles to thunderstorm probability and severe-weather / winter-weather likelihood. Furthermore, you don't really need to have any real data on a blank graph. You can use it for theoretical purposes or basic calculations using limited info on the ground, hence me calling it, 'The paper calculator.'

Photo Courtesy: ShareMyJoys.WordPress.com

Looking at a plotted, or even a blank Skew-T will look very busy and confusing at first. Therefore, in my first post about them, I'll go over the many different lines and what they are used for. Then in my 2nd post I will briefly overview some simple calculations that can be made using them with little-to-no assistance of other tools. The 3rd part will focus on inferences that can be made and signals that are watched for. I'll also conclude with my experience of discovering Skew-T's and how they changed things for me in my education.

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