Chapter_08_Part2_Forces_and_Wind

Question 1

What forces affect wind speed and direction?

Answer 1

Pressure Gradient Force (PGF), Coriolis force, centripetal/centrifugal forces, and friction.

Question 2

Define Coriolis force.

Answer 2

An apparent force due to Earth’s rotation causing deflection of moving air to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and left in the Southern Hemisphere.

Question 3

What is geostrophic wind?

Answer 3

Wind flowing parallel to straight isobars at a constant speed where PGF and Coriolis are balanced.

Question 4

Describe gradient wind.

Answer 4

Wind flowing parallel to curved isobars balanced by PGF, Coriolis, and centripetal forces.

Question 5

What does the spacing of isobars indicate?

Answer 5

Closer isobars indicate stronger pressure gradients and higher wind speeds.

Question 6

Explain Newton’s second law as it applies to meteorology.

Answer 6

Force exerted on air (mass) results in acceleration (change in speed/direction) of the air.

Question 7

Where is the Coriolis force strongest?

Answer 7

At the poles; it is zero at the equator.

Question 8

What is Buys-Ballot’s Law?

Answer 8

With wind at your back in the NH, low pressure is to your left, high pressure to your right.

Question 9

What happens to wind flow near Earth’s surface?

Answer 9

Friction slows the wind and turns it slightly toward low pressure.

Question 10

What creates vertical air motion?

Answer 10

Differences in atmospheric pressure and convergence/divergence of air.