air pressure and winds - I

Question 1

How is atmospheric pressure determined?

Answer 1

by the weight of air above

Question 2

What is hydrostatic balance?

Answer 2

when pressure gradient force is in balance with gravity

Question 3

What is the rate of pressure decrease in the lower atmosphere?

Answer 3

10mb per 100m

Question 4

What is the process of air converting heat into motion?

Answer 4

1. start with uniform atmosphere at rest
2. differential heating creates different rates of expansion in air columns (warmer air expands and colder air contracts)
3. results in horizontal pressure differences
4. pressure differences induce flow. warm air rises, goes towards cooler regions, air sinks, goes towards warm regions.

Question 5

What is station pressure?

Answer 5

the pressure reading at a particular location and elevation

Question 6

What is sea-level pressure?

Answer 6

pressure adjusted to altitude 0m, sea level

Question 7

In the northern hemisphere, what directions do winds blow around low and high pressure centers?

Answer 7

air blows counterclockwise towards low pressure centers
air blows clockwise away from high pressure centers

Question 8

What is pressure gradient force?

Answer 8

created when there are horizontal pressure differences, causes air to move from high to low pressure

Question 9

How do you solve for pressure gradient force?

Answer 9

(1 / 1 kg/m³)(pressure difference / distance)