The change in pressure measured across a given distance is called a "pressure gradient".
The pressure gradient results in a net force that is directed from high to low pressure and this force is called the "pressure gradient force".
![[Image: animation of air directed by the pressure gradient force (35K)]](/guides/mtr/fw/gifs/pgf1.gif){kind=link}
Animation by: Hall
The pressure gradient force is responsible for triggering the initial movement of air.
Pressure |
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coriolis force |