Atmospheric temperature, pressure and winds - Geostrophic flow Flashcards
1
Q
what is geostrophic flow?
A
this is the theoretical wind that would result from an exact balance between the Coriolis force and the PGF
2
Q
What is geostrophic balance?
A
condition of the atmosphere where there is a balance between the Coriolis for and the PGF
3
Q
Explain Geostrophic flow with the aid of this picture:
A
when air move from Hp to Lp due to PGF, Coriolis force acts upon it and the faster it gets the more Coriolis force acts upon it until point G where the air reaches geostrophic balance as the PGF and Coriolis force acting on it are the same and this results in the air moving along an isobar as opposed to moving from Hp to Lp
