Correct option is B
The geostrophic wind is the wind that results from a balance between the pressure gradient force and the Coriolis force. It blows parallel to the isobars because the pressure gradient force pushes the air from high to low-pressure areas, while the Coriolis force causes it to be deflected to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. This results in the wind blowing parallel to the isobars.
Information Booster
- Geostrophic wind is idealized and occurs at high altitudes where friction is minimal.
- The wind blows parallel to the isobars, meaning it does not move directly towards or away from areas of high and low pressure but instead follows the lines of constant pressure.
- In the Northern Hemisphere, the Coriolis force deflects the wind to the right, and in the Southern Hemisphere, it deflects to the left.
- Pressure gradient force is the force that causes air to move from high-pressure areas to low-pressure areas, and Coriolis force acts to deflect the wind.
Additional Knowledge
- Wind is deflected to its right in the southern hemisphere (A): This statement is incorrect. In the Southern Hemisphere, the wind is deflected to the left, not to the right.
- Wind speed increases with friction (C): This statement is also incorrect. Friction causes wind speed to decrease, not increase, especially near the Earth's surface.
- Wind speed is inversely proportional to pressure gradient force (D): This statement is incorrect. Wind speed increases with the pressure gradient force because a stronger gradient leads to faster winds.
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