GGR112H5 Chapter Notes - Chapter 6: Wind Speed, Coriolis Force, Pressure-Gradient Force
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Document Summary
The weight of the atmosphere in terms of force per unit area is air pressure, created by motion, size, and number of molecules. Wind speed is measured with an anemometer (a device with cups that are pushed by the wind) and its direction with a wind vane (a flat blade or surface that is directed by the wind). Wind is the horizontal movement of air across earth"s surface; turbulence adds. The pressure that earth"s gravitational force exerts on the atmosphere is virtually earth"s varied surfaces in opposition to the pressure gradient. The pressure gradient force drives winds, as air moves from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure. Maps portray air pressure patterns using the isobar- an isoline that connects points of equal pressure. The coriolis force causes an apparent deflection in the path of winds or ocean currents, owing to the rotation of earth.