What are curved lines on a weather map that indicate lines of equal pressure called?

Curved lines on a weather map that indicate lines of equal pressure are called isobars. These lines connect points of equal atmospheric pressure, allowing meteorologists to visualize the distribution of pressure over a specific area. They are crucial for understanding weather patterns, as areas of high and low pressure often correlate with different weather conditions, such as storms or clear skies.

When analyzing weather maps, isobars help forecasters determine how strong the wind will be, as closely spaced isobars indicate a steep pressure gradient and, consequently, stronger winds. The use of isobars is fundamental in meteorology, allowing the prediction of weather changes and the movement of weather systems. The other terms like isotherms, gradients, and contours do not specifically refer to lines of equal pressure, which reinforces why isobars is the correct choice in this context.