Geostrophic flow:
A)undergoes a constant, or near constant, acceleration.
B)occurs when the pressure gradient force equals the Coriolis force.
C)occurs in atmospheric levels with substantial friction.
D)can occur in all levels of the atmosphere.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Geostrophic flow occurs when the pressure gradient force (the force that drives air from high pressure to low pressure) is balanced by the Coriolis force (the force that deflects moving objects to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere, due to Earth's rotation). This balance results in a nearly constant wind speed and direction. Geostrophic flow is most prominent in the upper levels of the atmosphere, where friction is limited.

Geostrophic Flow