An elongated area of low pressure on a weather map is referred to as what?

An elongated area of low pressure on a weather map is referred to as a trough. A trough represents a zone where the atmospheric pressure is lower than that of the surrounding areas, and it usually indicates a region of unsettled or stormy weather. Troughs can be associated with various weather patterns, including the development of low-pressure systems, which often lead to cloud formation and precipitation as they provide the necessary lift for air to rise and cool, resulting in condensation.

Understanding the concept of a trough is key for pilots, as it can significantly influence flight conditions. When navigating, pilots must be aware of troughs because the associated weather patterns can affect visibility, turbulence, and wind direction.

The other options refer to different meteorological concepts. For instance, a wave typically refers to a disturbance in the atmosphere that can affect wind patterns but does not specifically denote an area of low pressure like a trough does. A ridge denotes an area of high pressure, which brings clearer skies and more stable weather. A front represents the boundary between two different air masses and can also lead to weather changes, but is not specifically defined as an elongated area of low pressure.