|
NOTE: We've guessed that
you're not using a client that supports colored tables and have tried
to compensate. Low graphics mode looks much better on clients that
do... we recommend switching to Netscape 3.0 or Microsoft Internet
Explorer.
|
|
|
. |
Geostrophic Wind
winds balanced by the Coriolis and Pressure Gradient forces
An air parcel initially at rest will move from high pressure to low
pressure because of the
pressure gradient force (PGF).
However, as that air parcel begins to move, it is deflected by the
Coriolis force to the right in the northern
hemisphere (to the left on the southern hemisphere).
As the wind gains speed, the deflection increases until the Coriolis force
equals the pressure gradient force. At this point, the wind will be blowing
parallel to the isobars. When this happens,
the wind is referred to as geostrophic.
|