In the Northern Hemisphere, the gradient wind around a high pressure is characterized by:

Correct option is A

Explanation:
Gradient wind is a theoretical wind that results from a balance between:
· Pressure Gradient Force (PGF)
· Coriolis Force
· Centrifugal Force (due to curved path)
In the Northern Hemisphere, around a high-pressure system (anticyclone):
· The flow is clockwise due to the Coriolis effect.
· The wind speed is greater than geostrophic wind (called supergeostrophic) because the centrifugal force adds to the Coriolis force, requiring a higher wind speed to balance the weaker pressure gradient.
Information Booster:
· Geostrophic wind is a balance between PGF and Coriolis force (idealized straight-line wind).
· Supergeostrophic: Wind speed is greater than geostrophic (common in highs).
· Subgeostrophic: Wind speed is less than geostrophic (common in lows).
Additional Information:
· Low pressure systems in the Northern Hemisphere have subgeostrophic and counter-clockwise (cyclonic) flow.
· This concept is important in meteorology, weather forecasting, and atmospheric dynamics.