The Geostrophic wind occurs in the upper atmosphere where friction from the Earth’s surface is absent. It represents a perfect balance where the Pressure Gradient Force (pushing air toward low pressure) is exactly equaled by the Coriolis Force (pulling air to the side). This causes the wind to blow parallel to the isobars rather than across them. ANSWER: (B) Pressure Gradient Force and Coriolis Force
The “Geostrophic Wind” is a theoretical wind that results from a balance between which two forces? (A) Friction and Gravity (B) Pressure Gradient Force and Coriolis Force (C) Centrifugal Force and Friction (D) Solar Radiation and Convection
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At high altitudes, air is free from the “drag” of trees and mountains. When a pressure difference exists, air starts moving toward the low pressure. Immediately, the Coriolis force turns it to the right (in the North). As the wind speeds up, the Coriolis pull gets stronger until it perfectly opposes the pressure push. At this point, the air stops moving toward the low pressure and instead flows along the lines of equal pressure. This is why high-altitude jet streams follow the “shape” of pressure systems rather than blowing straight into the center of a storm.
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