Lesson 205 Estimating Wind

Question 1

List the four factors that influence the direction and speed of the wind:

Answer 1

Pressure gradient force (Fp)
Coriolis force (FD)
Friction force (FF)
Centrifugal force (FC)

Question 2

1 degree of latitude =_____ NM = ______ Km

Answer 2

60 NM

111 Km

Question 3

List the four basic assumptions associated with geostrophic wind.

Answer 3

No friction
Horizontal flow
Straight line flow
Static pressure system (in terms of motion and development)

Question 4

At a high pressure area, the combination of centrifugal force and pressure gradient force added together results in ______
wind speed and _________ winds.

Answer 4

Increased

Question 5

At a low pressure area, the opposition of centrifugal force and pressure gradient force results in _________ wind speed and _________ winds.

Answer 5

Reduced

Question 6

Coriolis force is ____________ at the equator, but that it __________ with latitude toward the poles.

Answer 6

Non-existent

Increases

Question 7

Geostrophic wind (VG) involves two forces, they are:

Answer 7

Pressure gradient force (FP)
Coriolis force (FD)

Question 8

Gradient wind (VGR) involves three forces, they are:

Answer 8

Pressure gradient force (FP)
Centrifugal force (FC)
Coriolis force (FD)

Question 9

In reference to upper level charts, the closer the contour lines, the __________ the gradient and therefore the ___________ the winds. The further apart the contour lines the _________ the gradient and therefore the __________ the winds.

Answer 9

Steeper, stronger

Weaker, weaker

Question 10

List the four assumptions for the gradient wind.

Answer 10

No friction
Horizontal flow
Curved flow
Static pressure system in terms of motion and development