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Which conclusion can be drawn if observed and geostrophic winds agree closely?

  • A.The flow is nearly straight and above the boundary layer
  • B.The pressure gradient must be unusually strong at that location compared with its surroundings
  • C.The air is very cold
  • D.The observation must have been taken close to the equator where the Coriolis parameter is small

Answer: A

Agreement indicates that neither curvature nor friction is contributing appreciably, which means straight flow in the free atmosphere. The strength of the gradient does not affect whether the approximation holds, temperature is irrelevant on a pressure surface, and proximity to the equator would make the agreement worse rather than better. Using the comparison as a diagnostic of the flow regime is a good habit when examining observations. The quantity that varies and the quantity that does not are worth naming before any substitution is attempted.

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