air motions geology 390 wsuv dr. robert m mackay
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Air Motions
Geology 390WSUV
Dr. Robert M MacKay
1st Law (Law of Inertia)
Every object continues in its state of rest, or of uniform motion in a straight line, unless it is compelled to change that state by forces impressed upon it.
acceleration = 0.0 unless the objected is acted on by an unbalanced force
Forces that influence the wind
1. Pressure Gradient Force
2. Coriolis Force
3. Friction
On average Gravity nearly balances the vertical Pressure gradient(hydrostatic balance)
Fig. 8-16, p. 203
Pressure Gradient=∆P/dist
Pressure Gradient
Centrifugal force an (Apparent Force)
Centrifugal force an (Apparent Force)
Coriolis Force (apparent force due to Earth’s rotation)
Coriolis Force
Deflects air to right in NH& Left in SH
Is always zero at the equator
Increases with latitude
Increases with wind speed
Increases as planet rotation speed increase
Coriolis Force
Coriolis Force
Geostrophic Winds
Geostrophic Winds
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