Winds that blow parallel to the isobars are called

Correct option is B

The correct answer is Geostrophic wind. Geostrophic winds are winds that flow parallel to the isobars (lines of equal atmospheric pressure) due to a balance between the Coriolis force and the pressure gradient force. These winds occur in the upper atmosphere where frictional forces are negligible.
Explanation:
· Pressure Gradient Force (PGF) pushes air from high to low pressure.
· Coriolis Force deflects moving air to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.
· When these two forces balance each other, the wind flows parallel to the isobars rather than across them, creating a geostrophic wind.
· This type of wind typically occurs in the mid to upper troposphere where friction with the Earth's surface is minimal.
Information Booster:
1. Geostrophic winds occur at higher altitudes where surface friction is negligible.
2. Isobars are lines on a weather map that represent areas of equal pressure.
3. Coriolis effect causes winds to deflect due to Earth's rotation.
4. Geostrophic balance explains why winds in the jet stream follow curved paths.
5. These winds play a key role in global circulation patterns.
6. Geostrophic winds do not occur near the ground due to surface friction.
Additional Knowledge:
· (a) Gradient Wind:
· A wind that flows parallel to curved isobars.
· Accounts for the balance of pressure gradient force, Coriolis force, and centrifugal force.
· (b) Geostrophic Wind:
· Flows parallel to straight isobars.
· Represents a balance between the pressure gradient force and Coriolis force.
· (c) Frictional Wind:
· Occurs near the Earth’s surface.
· Influenced by surface friction, causing the wind to cross isobars at an angle.
· (d) Local Wind:
· Winds that are influenced by local geography, such as sea breezes and land breezes.
· Examples include Chinook, Mistral, and Sirocco winds.
Key Points:
1. Geostrophic winds are critical in weather forecasting.
2. Upper-level winds are often geostrophic due to the lack of friction.
3. Jet streams are examples of geostrophic winds.
4. Surface winds deviate due to friction, reducing the effect of the Coriolis force.
5. Understanding wind dynamics helps in predicting storm tracks and weather patterns.