Chapter 8 Air Pressure and Winds pt 2

Question 1

what is a pressure gradient force?

Answer 1

difference in pressure over distance

-always moving H→L
-the force that sets wind in motion
-bigger PFG= faster wind

Question 2

what is a coriolis force?

Answer 2

apparent force due to Earth’s rotation

deflects objects in motion (to the right in the NH, to the left in the SH, none at the equator)

stronger deflection when:
-closer to poles
-faster wind speeds

Question 3

what is geostrophic wind?

Answer 3

combination of PGF and CF, blows parallel to straight isobars

close isobars = fast, far apart isobars = slow

Question 4

what is centripetal force?

Answer 4

inward directed force when “changing direction”

force on object accelerating around cyclonic (L) and anticyclonic (H) flow

Question 5

what is gradient wind?

Answer 5

combination of PGF, CF and Centripetal Force

wind blows at a constant speed parallel to curved contour lines

Question 6

what are meridional winds?

Answer 6

north-south trajectory

Question 7

what are zonal winds?

Answer 7

west-to-east direction

Question 8

what is frictional force?

Answer 8

friction with surface, slows wind speed

slower winds=less CF deflection

Question 9

what does pressure look like in the northern hemisphere?

Answer 9

Aloft:
1) PGF H→L
2) CF (R)
clockwise

Surface:
1) PGF H→L
2) CF (R)
4) FF
clockwise + out

Question 10

what does pressure look like in the southern hemisphere?

Answer 10

Aloft:
1) PGF H→L
2) CF (L)
counter-clockwise

Surface:
1) PGF H→L
2) CF (L)
4) FF
counter-clockwise + out