Which of the following are correct statements?
(A) In barotropic atmosphere, isobaric surfaces are coincident with isotherms.

(B) In barotropic atmosphere, geostrophic wind is constant with altitude.

(C) In baroclinic atmosphere, isobaric surfaces are also surfaces of constant density.

(D) In baroclinic atmosphere, geostrophic wind is variable with altitude.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is C

Explanation of Statements:
1. (A) In barotropic atmosphere, isobaric surfaces are coincident with isotherms:
In a barotropic atmosphere, temperature is a function of pressure alone, and isotherms (surfaces of equal temperature) are parallel to isobaric surfaces (surfaces of equal pressure).
Correct Statement.
2. (B) In barotropic atmosphere, geostrophic wind is constant with altitude:
In a barotropic atmosphere, there is no horizontal temperature gradient, meaning geostrophic wind does not vary with altitude.
Correct Statement.
3. (C) In baroclinic atmosphere, isobaric surfaces are also surfaces of constant density:
This is incorrect because, in a baroclinic atmosphere, density depends on both pressure and temperature. Thus, isobaric surfaces are not surfaces of constant density.
Incorrect Statement.
4. (D) In baroclinic atmosphere, geostrophic wind is variable with altitude:
In a baroclinic atmosphere, temperature gradients exist, leading to variations in geostrophic wind with altitude (thermal wind).
Correct Statement.
Thus, statements (A), (B), and (D) are correct.
Information Booster: 1. Barotropic Atmosphere:
· Pressure depends only on density, and temperature is a function of pressure.
· No thermal wind is present.
2. Baroclinic Atmosphere:
· Pressure depends on both density and temperature.
· Thermal wind occurs due to horizontal temperature gradients.
3. Geostrophic Wind:
· It arises from the balance between the Coriolis force and the pressure gradient force.
· It is constant with altitude in a barotropic atmosphere but varies in a baroclinic atmosphere.
4. Applications:
· Barotropic conditions are associated with large-scale weather systems like tropical cyclones.
· Baroclinic conditions are common in mid-latitude weather systems.
Additional Knowledge: · Isobaric Surfaces:
· Represent regions of equal atmospheric pressure.
· Isotherms:
· Represent regions of equal temperature.
· Thermal Wind:
· A result of changes in geostrophic wind speed and direction with altitude, caused by temperature gradients.