Explanation:

The pressure gradient force is the force that is responsible for the movement of air from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure. It is a force that acts perpendicular to the isobars, which are the lines on a weather map that connect areas of equal pressure. The pressure gradient force can act in both the horizontal and vertical directions.

Vertical Pressure Gradient Force:

The vertical pressure gradient force is the force that acts in the vertical direction, and it is responsible for the movement of air in the vertical direction. This force is much larger than the horizontal pressure gradient force, and it is the force that is responsible for the formation of clouds, precipitation, and thunderstorms.

Horizontal Pressure Gradient Force:

The horizontal pressure gradient force is the force that acts in the horizontal direction, and it is responsible for the movement of air in the horizontal direction. This force is smaller than the vertical pressure gradient force, and it is the force that is responsible for the movement of air from high-pressure areas to low-pressure areas.

Reason for Vertical Pressure Gradient Force being Larger:

The reason for the vertical pressure gradient force being larger than the horizontal pressure gradient force is that the atmosphere is in hydrostatic equilibrium in the horizontal direction. This means that the pressure gradient force is balanced by the gravitational force in the horizontal direction. In the vertical direction, however, the atmosphere is not in hydrostatic equilibrium, and the pressure gradient force is not balanced by the gravitational force. This results in a much larger pressure gradient force in the vertical direction.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the vertical pressure gradient force is much larger than the horizontal pressure gradient force. The vertical pressure gradient force is responsible for the movement of air in the vertical direction and is much larger due to the atmosphere not being in hydrostatic equilibrium in the vertical direction.