Meteorology · Wind
The geostrophic wind blows:
- ADirectly from high to low pressure across the isobars
- BIn random directions unrelated to pressure
- CAlways from the nearest landmass
- DParallel to straight, evenly spaced isobars✓ Correct
Explanation
Above the friction layer, the pressure-gradient force and Coriolis force balance so the wind flows parallel to the isobars — the geostrophic wind. Near the surface, friction turns the wind slightly across the isobars toward low pressure.
Authority: Bowditch (Pub. No. 9)
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