Lab module 6: air pressure and wind | Geography homework help

Question 15: Based on the Beaufort Wind Scale, what is the World Meteriological Organizationfs (WMO) wind classification for the average wind speed at Wind Farm C?

A. Light Air

B. Light Breeze

C. Gentle Breeze

D. Fresh Breeze

Collapse and uncheck the GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE folder.

FORCES OF WIND

Isobars (iso = equal, bar = pressure) can provide us information about the speed and direction of wind. Isobars are plain, curved lines on a map that indicate areas of equal air pressure. Where lines are closer, the winds are stronger and therefore have more speed. Several forces impact the speed and direction of wind. Gravity is arguably the most important . without gravity we would not have air pressure, and therefore, no wind. The pressure gradient force is also important . because of the tendency for air to move from areas of higher pressure (more dense air) to areas of low pressure (less dense air). However, wind at the surface does not flow across pressure gradients . that is, directly from high pressure systems to low pressure systems. This is due to the Coriolis effect (that is, the Earth spinning) deflecting wind from a straight path, as well as the frictional force reducing wind speed at the surface of the Earth. Expand the FORCES OF WIND folder. Select Pressure Gradient, Coriolis and Friction. In the pop-up window, click Pressure Gradient, Coriolis and Friction to view the animation (which opens in your browser). Within the animation, begin with Pressure Gradient and view both the chart and the details for all three physical forces.