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Reading a weather map – Activity 2

Answers

The following answers refer to the weather feature at Point K:
1. A tropical cyclone is the feature at Point K.
2. The tropical cyclone is an intense low pressure system.
3. Air is circulating clockwise around the tropical cyclone.
4. Gale force winds, high seas and torrential rain are expected if the cyclone crosses the coast.
5. Strategies in preparation for the cyclone:
  - Stock up on essential supplies especially fresh drinking water and food.
  - Ensure that battery-powered radios and torches and back-up generators are in good working order with spare battery and fuel supplies.
  - Store or secure all equipment, machinery, tools and materials.
  - Move stock to safest paddocks.
  - Ensure all personnel are inside the safest structure before the cyclone hits.
  - Frequently monitor weather reports and follow emergency services instructions.
The following answers refer to the weather occurring at Point L:
1. Calm, fine and hot weather would be expected at Point L.
2. Weather map features used to answer question 2a:
  - The ridge across central Australia indicates fine weather.
  - The isobars spaced relatively far apart indicate little or no wind.
  - A summer weather pattern is indicated by the high pressure systems located to the south of Australia. Therefore, hot conditions would be expected in inland Australia associated with fine, calm weather.
3. Precautions that a farm worker should take in hot weather:
  - Wear a long-sleeved shirt, trousers, broad-brimmed hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.
  - Ensure the availability of adequate supplies of cool, fresh drinking water.
  - Reschedule outdoor work tasks to cooler times of the day.
The following answers refer to the weather occurring at Point M:
1. A cold front has recently passed over Point M.
2. The region around Point M would have experienced a cool change with southerly winds and possible rain.
3. If this southerly change occurs during the cooler months the Bureau of Meteorology might issue a grazier’s alert.

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