Which data elements are typically shown on a surface analysis chart?

• A. Fronts and dewpoint temperatures.
• B. Fronts, temperatures, dewpoints, wind directions and speeds.
• C. Upper atmosphere wind speeds aloft.
• D. A device for measuring ground humidity.

Answer: (B)

Surface analysis charts present weather information at ground level that pilots use to gauge current conditions and potential changes. The elements shown are fronts, temperatures, dewpoints, and wind directions and speeds. Fronts indicate boundaries between air masses and help forecasters anticipate sudden weather changes. Temperatures and dewpoints give insight into how moist the air is and the likelihood of fog, low clouds, or precipitation forming; dewpoint in particular shows moisture availability independent of temperature. Wind directions and speeds reveal how air is moving across the surface, which affects airport operations, ground handling, and how weather systems will evolve over the area.

Winds aloft, which describe upper-level wind speeds and directions, are not part of the surface chart—they’re found on wind‑aloft charts and relate to the atmosphere above the surface. A device for measuring ground humidity isn’t a chart element; humidity is conveyed by the dewpoint and temperature values rather than a single instrument on the map.