Which of the following describes the pressure gradient force?
A) It drives air from areas of higher to lower barometric pressure.
B) It decreases with height above the surface.
C) It causes apparent deflection of winds from a straight path.
D) It is the only force acting on atmospheric flows in the upper troposphere.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The pressure gradient force is the force that drives air from areas of higher to lower barometric pressure. This force is the result of differences in pressure over a distance and initiates the movement of air in the atmosphere.

Answer: B
 The pressure gradient force decreases with height above the surface. This is because as air moves higher in the atmosphere, there is less atmospheric pressure pushing down on it, reducing the force that drives air movement.

Answer: C
 The pressure gradient force causes apparent deflection of winds from a straight path. When the pressure gradient force interacts with the Coriolis force, it causes winds to move in a curved path, rather than a straight line. This effect is known as the geostrophic flow.

Answer: D
 The pressure gradient force is not the only force acting on atmospheric flows in the upper troposphere. Other forces such as the Coriolis force and the centrifugal force also come into play, particularly in the upper levels of the Earth's atmosphere.

Which of the Following Describes the Pressure Gradient Force