In the figure,winds at the 500-mb level are
A)stronger near the Atlantic coast because the height contours are farther apart
B)weaker near the Atlantic coast because the height contours are farther apart
C)weaker near the Atlantic coast because the height contours are closer together
D)stronger near the Atlantic coast because the height contours are closer together

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The strength of winds at any given level in the atmosphere, including the 500-mb level, is directly related to the gradient (difference) in pressure or height contours. When height contours are closer together, it indicates a steeper pressure gradient, which results in stronger winds. Therefore, if the height contours are closer together near the Atlantic coast, the winds there would be stronger.

In the Figure,winds at the 500-Mb Level Are