Explain the differences between geostrophic and gradient winds
What will be the ideal response?
ANSWER: In situations where wind speed increases to a point where the Coriolis force balances the pressure gradient force, the wind no longer accelerates because the net force is zero. Here the wind flows in a straight path, parallel to the isobars at a constant speed. This flow of air is called a geostrophic wind. When the flow of air is purely geostrophic, the isobars (or contours) are straight and evenly spaced, and the wind speed is constant. A wind that blows at a constant speed parallel to curved isobars above the level of frictional influence is termed a gradient wind.In situations where wind speed slows down, the Coriolis force also weakens. As a result of the weaker Coriolis force, the pressure gradient force causes the wind to bend the parcel toward the left and thus move in a circular, counterclockwise path, parallel to curved isobars.
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