What are lines of constant pressure called?

Lines of constant pressure in meteorology are referred to as isobars. These lines are drawn on weather maps to connect points that have the same atmospheric pressure. Isobars are crucial in understanding weather patterns, as they indicate areas of high and low pressure, which are associated with different weather conditions. Closely spaced isobars suggest a steep pressure gradient, indicating strong winds, while widely spaced isobars suggest lighter winds.

Isotherms, in contrast, represent lines of constant temperature, often used to visualize temperature distributions across regions. Isohyets are lines that connect points of equal rainfall, providing insight into precipitation patterns. The term contours generally refers to lines that connect equal values of any variable across a geographical area but isn’t specific to pressure. Therefore, isobars are the appropriate term for lines of constant pressure in meteorological contexts.