On an upper-level 500-mb map the winds tend to parallel the contour lines in a wavy west-to-east direction, and the contour lines tend to decrease in height from south to north. Explain
What will be the ideal response?
ANSWER: The combination of the pressure gradient force and Coriolis force cause winds to flow in a west to east pattern. The decrease in contour line height from south to north is the result of air at this level being warmer in the south and colder in the north. On maps, where horizontal temperature contrasts are large there is also a large height gradient—the contour lines are close together and the winds are strong. Where the horizontal temperature contrasts are small, there is a small height gradient—the contour lines are spaced farther apart and the winds are weaker. In general, on maps such as this we find stronger north-to-south temperature contrasts in winter than in summer, which is why the winds aloft are usually stronger in winter.
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