On a weather map, isolines that join places receiving equal amounts of rainfall are known as what?

Introduction / Context:

This question tests basic geographical terminology related to weather maps and climatic data. Isolines are lines drawn on maps to connect points with equal values of a particular variable, such as temperature, pressure, or rainfall. Knowing the specific name for isolines of rainfall helps students interpret meteorological charts and understand patterns of precipitation distribution.

Given Data / Assumptions:

Concept / Approach:

Different isoline names correspond to different measured quantities. Isotherms connect points of equal temperature, isobars connect points of equal atmospheric pressure, and isohyets connect points of equal rainfall. Contours generally refer to lines joining points of equal elevation on a topographic map. By matching rainfall with the correct technical term, we identify isohyets as the appropriate answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

A verification approach is to think of example sentences: meteorologists may speak of isotherms on a temperature chart or isobars on a pressure chart, but rainfall maps in climatology often show isohyets. Geography textbooks explicitly define isohyets as lines of equal rainfall. Contours are familiar from topographic maps that show hills and valleys, clearly unrelated to rainfall amounts. This semantic check confirms that isohyets is the correct response.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Isotherms: These are lines joining places with equal temperature, not equal rainfall.

Isobars: These lines join points with equal atmospheric pressure, commonly seen on weather charts of pressure systems.

Contours: Contour lines show equal elevation or height above sea level on physical maps, not rainfall distribution.

Common Pitfalls:

Students sometimes mix up the different isoline names because they all start with iso. Another common confusion is between isobars and isohyets, since both frequently appear on weather related maps. To reduce mistakes, it is helpful to learn the root words: therm for temperature, bar for pressure, hyet for rainfall, and contour for shape or elevation. Matching these roots with the correct variable ensures accurate recall in exams.

Final Answer:

The correct answer is isohyets.