In the absence of friction, the combined effect of the Coriolis force and the pressure gradient force produces
A) geostrophic winds at high altitudes above the ground.
B) surface winds.
C) air flow from low to high pressure centers.
D) air flow in a north-south direction.
E) air flow perpendicular to the isobars.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In the absence of friction, the Coriolis force and the pressure gradient force are the dominant forces acting on the air. These forces balance each other out and result in geostrophic winds at high altitudes above the ground. This means that the air flows parallel to isobars, with higher pressure on the right in the Northern Hemisphere and on the left in the Southern Hemisphere.

In the Absence of Friction, the Combined Effect of the Coriolis