Meteorology · Synoptic Charts — Isobar Spacing
On a surface synoptic chart, what does closely spaced packing of the isobars indicate?
- ALight and variable winds
- BA strong pressure gradient and therefore strong wind✓ Correct
- CAn area of fog
- DRapidly rising temperature
Explanation
Wind speed is proportional to the pressure gradient. Tightly packed isobars mean pressure changes rapidly over a short distance — a steep gradient — producing strong winds; widely spaced isobars mean light winds.
Authority: WMO; Bowditch (Pub. No. 9), pressure gradient and wind
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