Question

The speed and the direction of wind are based on which of the following?

• A. Pressure gradient force
• B. Coriolis force
• C. Friction
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is D All of the above

Pressure gradient force,

winds balanced by the Coriolis and Pressure Gradient forces. An air parcel initially at rest will move from high pressure to low pressure because of the pressure gradient force (PGF). ... As the wind gains speed, the deflection increases until the Coriolis force equals the pressure gradient force.

Coriolis force,

The Coriolis effect influences wind by deflecting its path to the right in the Northern Hemisphere. The sequence of weather satellite images shows that the actual wind direction is from the southwest. The satellite images show atmospheric motion over the northern Pacific Ocean for a 36-hour period.

Friction,

Winds affected by friction. Geostrophic wind blows parallel to the isobars because the Coriolis force and pressure gradient force are in balance. ... As we move higher, surface features affect the wind less until the wind is indeed geostrophic.