Wind

Question 1

What three factors affect the speed and direction of wind?

Answer 1

Pressure gradient force
Coriolis force
Friction

Question 2

Does the strength of the CF increase or decrease with air speed?

Answer 2

Increases

Question 3

With the PGF constant, how does CF and F interact?

Answer 3

A reduction in the CF due to high friction will cause wind to angle across the isobars.

Question 4

Where and over what terrain is friction greatest?

Answer 4

Near the ground. Over oceans is about 10 Deg and over rough terrain about 40%

Question 5

Half and double the isobar spacing mean what?

Answer 5

Half: Double the wind speed

Double: Half the wind speed

Question 6

What happens at 3000ft regarding wind?

Answer 6

Wind doubles in speed from surface value

Wind direction veers 30Deg to become parallel to isobars

Question 7

How is a North wind represented in MET?

Answer 7

360Deg

Question 8

Explain Buys-Ballot’s Law

Answer 8

If you stand with your back to the wind in the northern hemisphere, low pressure will be on your left.

Question 9

Where is the CF the strongest and weakest?

Answer 9

Strongest near the poles and weakest at the equator.

Question 10

Backing and veering describe a change in wind in what direction?

Answer 10

Veering: CW
Backing:CCW