Meteorology · Wind — Geostrophic/Gradient
Gradient wind differs from geostrophic wind in that gradient wind accounts for the:
- AEarth's rotation only
- BSurface friction only
- CCurvature of the isobars (centripetal acceleration)✓ Correct
- DAir temperature only
Explanation
Geostrophic wind balances pressure-gradient and Coriolis forces along straight isobars. Gradient wind adds the centripetal term for curved isobars, giving subgeostrophic flow around lows and supergeostrophic around highs.
Authority: Bowditch (Pub. No. 9), wind
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